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THE ZOOLOGIST FOR 1847.
Pp. 1569—1956.
LONDON :
PRINTED BY E. NEWMAN, DEVONSHIRE STREET,
BISHOPSGATE.
THE
ZOOLOGIST:
POPULAR MISCELLANY
OF
NATURAL HISTORY.
CONDUCTED BY
EDWARD NEWMAN, F.L.S., Z.S., &c.
VOLUME
FIFTH
LONDON:
JOHN VAN VOORST, PATERNOSTER ROW.
M.DCCC.XLVII.
" The species of work to which this volume belongs, while it is not confined
to the student of Natural History, but is addressed to all classes of readers,
appears to me to be eminently useful in promoting that general acquaintance
with Nature which is so highly to be desired, and for which a taste has of late
been strongly and growingly evinced." — William Howitt.
PREFACE
The e Zoologist ' has pursued the even tenor of its way to the ter-
mination of a fifth year.
It is peculiarly gratifying to mark the subsidence of all opposition
to its onward course. I am well aware that at the period of its com-
mencement it was regarded by some as interfering with prescriptive
technicalities and chartered obscurities. These sentiments, if still
entertained, are kept in abeyance, and all public lamentations about
the dissemination of Natural-History knowledge have long ceased.
Conservative dulness finds other channels ; and a doubt has arisen in
the public mind whether the unintelligible, either in physics or meta-
physics, be really the most valuable.
In my last address I made use of observations respecting the Ray
Society, which I regret to find have been disagreeable to some of its
members. It should be recollected that this society stands forth as
the great Natural-History association of the country. Were it a pri-
vate speculation I might be justified in passing it by, but it invites
notice, — it makes a direct demand on our attention : it would be most
uncourteous to preserve silence, most uncandid to conceal my real
opinion of its proceedings. It must not be for a moment lost sight
of, that a vast number, perhaps the majority of its members, became
such from a perusal of the advertisements gratuitously circulated with
the ( Zoologist,' a mode of addressing the lovers of Natural History
which certainly is unequalled. My own recommendations, moreover,
whether availing or otherwise I will not presume to say, were ardent
VI PREFACE.
and incessant. I knew while I was doing this that I was tampering
with my own interests, but I thought I was doing a public good, and
I waived the consideration of private loss. Under these circum-
stances no one can charge me with mercenary motives, but whether
they do so or not I shall express my opinions in any way I think proper.
I need not again repeat the expression of my admiration of Alder
and Hancock's ' Nudibranchiate Mollusca.' I will only say, that this
work in every respect maintains the reputation it has gained. But the
Society's great work of the present year is a translation of Oken's
' Physio-philosophy,' a publication which, on its appearance, was
ridiculed throughout Germany as the climax of absurdity, and which
has never been tolerated by a single naturalist in that country from
that day to the present. It is a mere rhapsody, written forty years
ago, and, as the author expresses it, " in a kind of inspiration."
As I have no idea whatever of Oken's views, I can give none to
others by an attempted abstract ; but in order to bring his matter be-
fore my readers, I will transcribe a few passages which appear some-
what detached, and which I think suffer nothing from isolation :
moreover, they approach more nearly to intelligibility than the greater
part of the volume, and are those which a learned member of the
Society has pointed out to me as favorable specimens.
" SOMETHING.
" 50. Still, however, there must be something which is posited and
negatived. The form must have a substance.
" This something is the primary idea, or the very Eternal of mathe-
matics, the zero ; for H is = 0. The H is naught else than
zero affirmed ; the — naught else than this + 0 negatived = — 0.
Now since an affirmation once declared is = 1, so are unity and zero
identical. Zero differs only from finite unity in that it is not
affirmed.
"51. The — is not simply the want of affirmation, but its explicit
abstraction. The + presupposes the 0 ; the — the + and 0 ; the 0
however presupposes neither + nor — . Purely negative quantities
are, as is known, a nonentity, because they can only bear reference to
positive magnitudes. The — is, indeed, the retroversion of + into 0 ;
PREFACE. Vll
yet alone, therefore, it is not perfectly equal to 0. It is a retrovertent,
and consequently the second act, which presupposes the positive.
By the — we know what is not; the — is, however, a nothing in
every respect. The — is the copula between 0 and +.
" 52. If the + is the 0 posited, so is it a nothing posited or deter-
mined. This position is, however, a number, and therefore a mathe-
matical something. The nothing thus becomes a something, a Finite,
a Real, through the simple positing of itself, and the something be-
comes a nothing by the removal of its self-position. The nothing
itself is, however, the mere neglect of its self-position. The some-
thing, the + — , has consequently not arisen or emerged out of
nothing, or from the latter something associated with another been
produced ; but it is nothing itself; the whole undivided nothing has
become unity. The nothing once posited as nothing is = I. We
cannot speak of production or evolution in this case ; but of the com-
plete identity and uniformity of the nothing with the something ; it is
a virgin product or birth." — p. 11.
" MAN.
" 97. Since the realization of the Eternal is a becoming self-con-
scious, so is the highest creature also a Self-conscious but a Singular.
Such a creature is the finite God, or God become corporeal. God is
Monas indeterminata, the highest creature is Monas determinata,
Totum determinatum. A finite self-conscious being we call man.
Man is an idea of God, but that in which God wholly, and in every
single act, becomes an object unto himself. Man is God represented
by God in the infinity of time. God is a Man representing God in
one act of self-consciousness, without time.
" 98. Man is God wholly manifested. God has become Man, zero
has become H . Man is the whole of arithmetic, compacted, how-
ever, out of all numbers ; he can therefore produce numbers out of
himself. Man is a complex of all that surrounds him, namely, of ele-
ment, mineral, plant and animal.
" 99. The other things below man are also ideas of God, but none
of these ideas is the whole representation of arithmetic. They are
only parts of the divine conscience posited in time ; but man is God,
Vlll PREFACE.
planted or posited uninjured in time. Man is the object in the self-
consciousness of God; the creatures below man are, however, the
objects only of the consciousness of God. Thus if God places before
and from himself only single qualities, there are worldly things ; if,
however, God in this crowd of representations attains to his own
entire representation then arises Man. God is = + 0 — , Man
= -f oo 0 — go, the animal is = -f n 0 — n. The animals are only
represented in part. The subject of self-consciousness is = + 0 — ;
the objects, however, are the numbers which are equivalent to this,
being = ao + 3 + 2+l-r-0-l-2-3 — go. Thus if all numbers,
all world-elements, together with their perfections, occur in conscious-
ness = + 0 — , there is a Man ; if only single, and perhaps but few
things, such as food, stones, &c. (with the entire exception of the ce-
lestial bodies), enter consciousness, there is an animal. They are
represented only partly, or in a portion of the universe, but Man is
represented wholly on in all its parts. Animals are fragments of
man." — p. 25.
Forty-seven pages of this matter bring us to the following summary
or retrospect, with which the mathesis or introductory chapter of the
work terminates.
" RETROSPECT.
" 208. The Triplicity of the primary act in the universe has now
been completely demonstrated. The first manifestation of God is
monas; to this corresponds Gravity, Mther, darkness, the cold of
chaos. The second manifestation of God is the dyas ; to this corre-
sponds the aether in a state of tension, the Light. The third mani-
festation of God is the trias ; to this corresponds the want of form,
Heat. God being in himself is Gravity; acting, self-emergent,
Light ; both together, or returning into himself, Heat. These are the
three Primals in the world, and equal to the three which were prior
to the world. They are manifested tri-unity = Fire." — p. 48.
I am unaccustomed to use strong expressions, but this either has
or has not a meaning; it is either senseless twaddle or downright
blasphemy. I incline to the first definition, but I confess myself one
of those to whom the author alludes as having " neither the capacity "
PREFACE. ix
to understand these " higher walks of science," " nor the desire for
its cultivation." The work extends to six hundred and sixty -five pages,
and is divided into three thousand six hundred and fifty-two verses
consecutively numbered : some of them, as we have seen, are diffuse
and argumentative ; others enunciate dicta in the most terse and
authoritative style : here are three examples.
" 2684. Pouncing is hopping in the air." — p. 444.
I once heard of the Society's " pouncing " on the ' Zoologist.' I
thought it alluded to gleaning the addresses of naturalists from the
pages of the ' Zoologist ;' to soliciting these particular naturalists to be-
come subscribers ; to circulating the Society's prospectuses sewed up
with the ' Zoologist:' I thought this was the "pouncing" to which
allusion was made, but I am enlightened now : the Society was " hop-
ping in the air." The next verse stands thus.
" 2685. Diving is hopping in the water." — p. 444.
There is another application of the term diving that has a plebeian
reference to pecuniary matters ; I have heard this very Society irreve-
rently charged with " diving " into our pockets, and not giving back
an adequate return. This use of the term was always vulgar, and
is henceforth decidedly erroneous : " Diving is hopping in the
water."
" 2884. A single world is dead, so also are many." — p. 473.
How sad to think that the world is dead ! There is, however, a ray
of comfort in the assurance that this makes no difference to the mon-
keys; they are extra-mundane, and feel no inconvenience from the
death of one world or many : we are assured, for our consolation, that
u For the Apes there is no world ; but only tree-fruits female and
male." What extra-mundane entity a female tree-fruit may be I have
" neither the capacity " to understand " nor the desire for its culti-
vation." However, it is pleasing to know that for the monkeys it
answers all the purposes of a world.
Here is a specimen of Oken's poetic vein.
" Gazing upon a Snail, one believes that he finds the prophesying
goddess sitting upon the tripod. What majesty is in a creeping
Snail, what reflection, what earnestness, wrhat timidity and yet at the
X PREFACE.
same time what firm confidence ! Surely a Snail is an exalted sym-
bol of mind slumbering deeply within itself." — p. 657.
Enough of this ! Let me in conclusion suggest that the Society
should suspend the collection of its enormous revenue until it can
find a rational, if not useful, mode of expending it. As now con-
ducted the Ray Society is the opprobrium of Science.
The present volume of the * Zoologist ' fully equals those which
have preceded it, both in the present interest and permanent value of
its contents. In quantity of matter it far exceeds either of them, ow-
ing to the great preponderance of the smaller type.
In Quadrupeds, the discussion on the gigantic deer of Ireland
(Zool. 1589 and 1620) has been pronounced by an accomplished
geologist to be " of the highest possible interest." My own opinion
was so fully given in my last year's address that I need not repeat it
here.
In Birds, three important additions have been made to our Fauna.
Fuligula ferinoides (Zool. 1778), a duck of which three undoubtedly
British specimens have occurred, and which was at first figured by
Mr. Yarrell as the Fuligula mariloides of Vigors; Larus Rossii (Zool.
178*2), a single specimen of which was shot at Tadcaster; and Sterna
velox (Zool. 1878), killed near Dublin in 1846. Accurate and detailed
descriptions of all the three will be found at the pages to which I
have referred.
In Reptiles, the communications and quotations about " the Sea
Serpent" are well worthy of attentive perusal : it is impossible to sup-
pose all the records bearing this title to be fabricated for the purpose
of deception. A natural phenomenon of some kind has been wit-
nessed : let us seek a satisfactory solution rather than terminate
enquiry by the shafts of ridicule. The grave and learned have often
avowed a belief that toads can exist some thousands of years without
food, light or air, and immured in solid stone : surely it is not requiring
PREFACE. XI
too much to solicit a suspension of judgment on the question whether
a monster may exist in the sea which does not adorn our collections.
In Fishes, the papers by Mr. R. Q. Couch are invaluable : his ob-
servations on the migrations of the pilchard (Zool. 1644 and 1705)
ought to be studied with the most profound attention ; they are not
merely interesting to the naturalist, but are of the highest importance
in connexion with our national resources.
In Insects the present volume is peculiarly rich : we have many
interesting and beautiful additions to our native Lepidoptera ; Cerura
bicuspis (Zool. 1863), taken near Preston by Mr. Cooper; Lithosia
pygmaeola (Zool. 1914) on the coast of Kent; Hydraecia Petasitis
(Zool. 1914) flying over the flowers of the butter-bur; Hadena
assimilis (Zool. 1914) by Mr. Weaver in Scotland; Eupisteria pice-
aria, Coccyx cosmophorana and Scardia Picarella (Zool. 1883) by
Mr. Hodgkinson in Perthshire ; Acidalia pallidiaria and Catoptria
citrana by Mr. Stevens at Southend; and a new Psyche (Zool.
1863), which he proposes to call retiella, by Mr. Ingall in the Isle
of Sheppey. In Diptera, we have Mr. Bracy Clark's observations
on the larva of the QEstrus of the stag (Zool. 1569) : this discovery,
or rather re-discovery, for Reaumur has also described and figured it,
is one of great interest, and its record in the pages of the ■ Zoologist '
will doubtless meet the eye of some one who has the opportunity of
pursuing the enquiry, and tracing the insect through the various
stages of its existence : I quite agree with Mr. Clark in believing it
will eventually prove identical with the QEstrus pictus of Curtis's
1 British Entomology.' In Hymenoptera, Mr. Smith has continued
his admirable and elaborate papers on bees ; these, in the present
volume, are confined to the numerous and very difficult genus Andrena
(Zool. 1662, 1732 and 1916): the utility of these papers will be ap-
preciated by those who have studied this interesting order of insects.
In Coleoptera, the papers by Mr. Wollaston (Zool. 1570, 1671, 1753,
1897 and 1934) and Dr. Schaum (Zool. 1887 and 1932) are of great
and lasting value. Dr. Schaum's paper on the Hydrocanthari shows
Xll . PREFACE.
our culpable neglect of a branch of entomology, which, though dry,
is most essential. I allude to nomenclature, and J cannot refrain
from expressing my deep regret that such a mass of errors should so
long have existed as have lately been detected and corrected by Mr.
Walton in the Curculionidae, M. De Selys in the Libellulidae, Dr.
Schaum in the Hydrocanthari, and Mr. Henry Doubleday in the
Lepidoptera.
The past summer has rendered the entomologist an abundant har-
vest in some of the classes : the plan of sugaring for nocturnal Lepi-
doptera has been attended with great success. The locust has again
appeared, and the facts of numbers having been seen on the sea-beach
(Zool. 1900), others actually picked up at sea, as recorded in several
local papers, and of its numerical preponderance on our eastern coast,
afford important items in the history of this extraordinary insect, and
leave us little room to doubt that it reaches these islands by crossing
from the continent : how this is effected we have yet to learn.
The year has been rich in works on economic Natural History :
from some of these I have made copious and valuable extracts, others
are still reserved for this purpose. I have found these extracts as ac-
ceptable to subscribers as they are gratifying to the authors I have
quoted. This plan of exhibiting specimens is the fairest that a re-
viewer can adopt : candid opinion is often unsatisfactory to all parties,
but verbatim extracts convey an impression from which there is no
appeal.
Once more I beg to thank both contributors and subscribers for
their assistance, and to congratulate them on the success which has
attended our united efforts. Year after year the ' Zoologist' attains a
more prominent position in the literature of the country, and finds
increased favour with the lovers of Nature at home and abroad.
EDWARD NEWMAN.
f), Devonshire Street, Bishopsgate,
October, 1847.
CONTENTS.
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
Allen, William
Extraordinary quantity of Coccinellae,
1898
Ashworth, John S.
Locust near Manchester, 1678
Attwood, E. M.
Sphinx Convolvuli near Maidstone,
1654
Baker, Wm.
Large sturgeons in the Usk, 1649
Barlow, T. W.
Destruction of rabbits, 1634
Battersby, Robert, M.D.
Black redstart and harlequin duck
near Torquay, 1697
Beadles, J. N.
Tame badger, 1683 ; Gray phalarope
at Mitcheldean, 1697; Summer
birds at Broadway, 1807
Bell, Thomas, F.R.S., Z.S.
Cirl bunting at Selborne, 1875 ; Nat-
terjack at Selborne, 1879
Bensted, W. H.
Voracity of the mole, 1767
Bentley, W.
Euchromia ericetana in the Isle of
Wight, 1863
Bird,W. F. W.
Early arrival of the sand-martin, Bo-
hemian waxwing in Bedfordshire,
Little crake in Norfolk, 1777 ; Po-
chard breeding in Norfolk, 1782
Bladon, James
Trichius fasciatus near Pont-y-pool,
1676
Bold, Thomas John
Coleoptera in the North of England,
1674 ; Pissodes Pini at Gosforth,
1805; Locust at Newcastle -on-
Tyne, 1900
Bond, Frederick
Vanessa Antiopa near Kingsbury,
1791 ; Lepidoptera near Yaxley,
1881 ; Locust near York, 1900
Bree, Rev. Wm., B.A.
Swallows and martins at Springfield,
1638
Bree, Rev. W. T., M.A.
Habits of kingfisher, 1639 ; Vanessa
Antiopa near Coventry, 1653 ; Dei-
lephila Celerio near Ledbury, 1653
Brown, John
Nest of Savi's warbler near Cam-
bridge, 1807
Brydges, H. J. I.
Anecdote of a hedgehog, 1768
Catchpool, T.
Partridge destructive to eggs, 1876
Chennell, F. A.
Arrival of summer birds at Selsey,
1636
Clark, Bracy, F.L.S.
Bot infesting the stag, 1569
Clark, Joseph
Habits of a bat in confinement, 1766
Clark, W. B.
Supposd new British seal, 1870
Cogswell, C, M.D.
Tame snipe, 1 640 ; Plea for the North -
Atlantic sea serpent, 1841
Cook, Robert
Colias Edusa near York, 1884
Cooper, James
Deilephila Livornica near Preston and
Carlisle, 1653
Cooper, W. W.
Anecdote of carrion crows, 1775 ;
Blackbird's nest on the ground,
1775
Couch, Jonathan, F.L.S.
Description of a new ray, 1880
Couch, R. Q.
Fishes at the Land's End, 1608, 1644,
17f)5, 1822
Coulcher, Cooper
Occurrence of the osprey and grass-
hopper warbler's nest near Down-
XIV
Daniell, Henry
Nudity of the base of the rook's beak,
1638 ; Food of the water-rat, 1768 ;
On the large wood ant, 1931
Davis, Robert
Sagacity in Frogs, 1643 ; Sphinx Con-
volvuli in the Isle of Wight, 1654
Deane, Henry
Robins at sea, 1638
Dixon, John
Cuckow's arrival at Whitehaven, 1774
DoUBLEDAY, HENRY
On the introduction of exotic insects
into collections professedly British,
1 728 ; Barren females of Acherontia
Atropos, 1862; Occurrence of Ce-
rura bicuspis in Britain, 1863 ;
Capture of Lepidoptera new to
Britain, 1883; Descriptions of new
British Lepidoptera, 1914
Douglas, J. W.
Captures of Lepidoptera, 1788
Douglas, Rev. Robert C, M.A.
Phlogophora meticulosa in January,
1659 ; Bees destroyed by the tulip,
1864
Dunning, J. W.
Trachea Atriplicis at sugar, 1885
Ellman, James B.
Epione advenaria at Battel, 1885 ;
Sphinx Convolvuli at Battel, 1916
Fisher, Marshall
Vanessa Antiopa near Ely, 1652 ;
Sphinx Convolvuli near Ely, 1655 ;
Acherontia Atropos at Ely, 1658
Fisher, W. R., F.L.S.
Description of Paget's pochard, 1778
Fitch, S. Edward
Little auk near Cromer, 1642
Fitt, George, jun.
Deilephila Celerio in Norfolk, 1653 ;
Sphinx Convolvuli at Yarmouth,
1653 ; Catocala Fraxini at Yar-
mouth, 1661 ; Locust at Yarmouth,
1677
Frere, Rev. H. T., M.A.
On the common sandpiper and wood-
cock, 1876
Fry, D. Henry
Glaucous gull at Ramsgate, 1642
Garth, James C.
Stormy petrel near Knaresborough,
1643
Glennon, Richard
On the discovery of bones of extinct
deer at Lough Gur, 1589; Descrip-
tion of the calcareous tuffa in refe-
rence to the giant deer, 1683 ;
Hoopoe in Ireland, 1697
Goatley, Thomas
Gray phalarope near Chipping Nor-
ton, 1640; Stormy petrel near Chip-
ping Norton, 1643 ; Treatment of
Acherontia Atropos, 1657; Nudity
of the base of the rook's beak, 1696;
Little auk near Chipping Norton,
1701 ; Acherontia Atropos, 1862
Gordon, Rev. George
Preserving of the honey bee, 1671
Grant, Frederic
Captures of Lepidoptera, 1789
Granther, Henry
Anecdote of a cat, 1583 ; Habits of
the squirrel, 1689
Greenwood, Alfred
Larva of Sphinx Convolvuli, 1653;
Anticlea berberata near Chelms-
ford, 1661
Griffith, Chas. H.
Assemblage of Cynthia Cardui,
1652
Griffiths, Amelia (Mrs.)
Locust at Exmouth, 1678
Gurney, J. H., & Fisher, W. R.
Notice of ornithological occurrences
in Norfolk, in December, 1846,
1601; in January and February,
1847, 1691; in March, 1701 ; in
April, 1770 ; in May, 1785 ; in June,
1820; in July, August and Sep-
tember, 1955
Hall, Thomas, A.L.S.
Vanessa Antiopa at Stoke Newington,
1652
Harding, H. J.
On the new species of Lasiocampa,
1731
Hardy, James
Omias Bohemani in Berwickshire,
1804 ; Habits of Haltica vittata,
1804
Hawley, John R.
Acronycta Alni near Doncaster, 1659;
Occasional scarcity among Lepi-
doptera, 1660; Reasons for ex-
punging Melitaea Dia and Erebia
Melampus from a Catalogue of
British Lepidoptera, 1730
Hepburn, Archibald
Description of Ball's Dredge, 1847;
Preparation of specimens of Asterias
and Crustacea, 1849; Diurnal Lepi-
doptera of East Lothian, 1861
Higgins, Edmund Thomas
Occurrence of Colias Edusa and Hy-
ale, 1862
Hodgkinson, James B.
White-winged crossbill in Cumber-
XV
land, 1(338 ; Cry modes Templi near
Carlisle, 1058 ; Capture of Lepi-
doptera in 1847, 1882; Graphiphora
depuncta near Carlisle, 1885
Hughes, E. J. R.
Hedgehogs devouring eggs, 1634 ;
Swarming of bees, 1864 ; Insect
stratagem, 1869 ; Handling the
eggs of birds, Enquiry respecting a
lapvving, 1872
Hunter, C. B.
Great gray shrike at Downham, 1637;
Gray phalarope at Wretham, 1640;
Little auk near Downham, 1642
Hussey, Rev. Arthur, M.A.
Tame partridge, 1001 ; Food of birds
of the pie kind, 1872
Hutchinson, Matthew
Arrival of summer birds at Shooter's
Hill in 1846, 1690 ; on the season
of 1846, 1691
Ince, William Henry
Sea serpent, 1714
Inchbald, Peter
Deilephila Celerio at Huddersfield,
1653 ; Calocampa vetusta near
Huddersfield, 1659 ; Polia occulta
near Huddersfield, 1659 ; Nests and
eggs of the wood warbler, 1874
Ingall, Thomas
Deilephila Celerio at Seaford, 1653 ;
Clisiocampa castrensis, 1655; Ma-
mestra nigricans near Gillingham,
1658; Agdistes Bennetii in the
Isle of Sheppey, 1661 ; Chalcis
sispes in the Isle of Sheppey, 1661 ;
Apion Limonii in the Isle of Shep-
pey, 1676
Irvine, R,ev. A.
Pine marten in Surrey, 1806
Jerdon, Archibald
Partial migration of birds in Rox-
burghshire, 1770 ; Arrival of Sum-
mer birds in Roxburghshire, 1786
Johnson, F. W.
Rare birds near Ipswich, 1637
Johnson, Job, jun.
Swallows in January, 1639; Calo-
campa vetusta at Tankerley Park,
1 658 ; Apamea unanimis near Shef-
field, 1659
Landsborough, Rev. D.
Discovery of bones near Saltcoats, Ayr-
shire, 1686
Lewis, Rev. W. S., M.A.
Queries respecting flies, 1868
Lighton, Thomas
Vanessa Antiopa near Bristol, 1652
Lingwood, Robert M.
Java sparrow breeding in England,
1807
Longley, Henry
Sphinx Ligustri three years in the
pupa, 1658
Matthews, Rev. A.
Claviger foveolatus in Oxfordshire,
1804
Milner, W. M. E.
Rare birds near Tadcaster, 1694
Montford, Rev. E. E., M.A.
Kitten swallowing a steel skewer,
1635; Sword-fish at Boston, 1911
Morris, Rev. F. Orpen, B.A.
On the feeling of insects, 1680; Rare
birds near Bridlington in 1846-7,
1692
Muskett, Charles
Argynnis .Lathonia near Norwich,
1652
Newman, Edward, F.L.S., Z.S.
Description of Australian beetles,
1676; Affinities of the Stylopites,
1792; Capture of a new Psyche,
1863; Argyrotoza aeneana, 1864;
Coccinella iabilis in Britain, 1864 ;
Colias Edusa at Leominster, Meli-
taea Dia, 1884 ; Re-appearance of
the locust, 1900
Newton, Alfred
Arrival of migratory birds at Elveden
in 1846, Rare birds near Thetford,
1693; Migratory birds at Elveden
in 1847, Nidification of birds at
Elveden, 1871 ; Migratory birds at
Everton, 1872
Nichols, Henry
Rare birds at Kingsbridge, 1694 ;
Montagu's harrier near Kings-
bridge, 1806
Norman, G.
Deilephila Celerio at Brantingham
Thorp, 1863
Noye, Wm.
Lasiocampa Trifolii, 1885
Palmer, Shirley, M.D.
New British species of Lasiocampa,
1655
Patten den, W. E.
Glyphipteryx eximia near London,
1661
Peacock, Edward
Antipathy of a monkey to a tortoise,
1683 ; Miscoloured thrush's eggs,
1875 ; Living toad imprisoned in
stone, 1879
XVI
Pickering, John
Description of a species of British
Paludiua, 1786
Plomley, F., M.D.
Purple heron near Lydd, 1777
Poole, Philip Henry
Rearing of kingfishers, 1639
Prentice, Charles
Buliraus Lackhamensis and Dreissena
polymorpha near Cheltenham, 1651 ;
Curious ornithological record, 1772
Ransome, R. J.
Sphinx Convolvuli and Acherontia
Atropos near Ipswich, 1654
Ransome, George
Rare birds near Ipswich, 1692 ;
Hoopoe near Ipswich, 1697
Ransome, E. R.
Larva of Deilephila Celerio, 1885
Richardson, H. D.
Giant deer of Ireland, 1685
Rodd, Edward Hearle
Fire -crested Regulus near Truro,
1638 ; Sand-martin near Penzance,
1696 ; Ivory gull near Penzance,
1699 ; Scops-eared owl at the Scilly
Islands, 1773 ; Avocet at the Land's
End, 1910
Roundell, H.
Nesting of the tree sparrow in Ox-
fordshire, 1875
Rudd, T. S.
Locust at Redcar, 1900
Saxby, S. H.
The sea serpent, 1911
Schaum, H., M.D.
Revision of British Hydrocantharidae,
1887 ; Postscript to the same, 1932 ;
On the British species of Pselaphi-
dffi, 1932
Shepherd, Henry
Gossamer webs, 1651
Sherwood, William
Locust near Hull, 1678
Sircom, John
Larva of Sphinx Convolvuli, 1884
Sladen, Rev. Edward H. M., B.A.
Supposed new British lark, 1697
Sl*ney,W. H.
The missel thrush, 1775
Slater, J. W.
Observations on the cuckow, 1637;
Carabus catenulatus attracted by
sugar, 1674
Smith, Frederick
Enumeration of British bees, 1661 ;
Description of British bees belong-
ing to the genus Andrena, 1662,
1732, 1916; Hymenoptera and Co-
hoptera near Gravesend, 1861
Smith, Rev. James
Ivory gull in Aberdeenshire, 1700 ;
On the provincial names of birds,
1907; Bar-tailed godwitnear Banff,
1910
Spicer, Rev. W. W., B.A.
Scaup duck near Godalming, 1641
Stainton, H. T.
Captures of Lepidoptera at Lewisham,
1790, 1915 ; near Ticehurst, Sussex,
1791
Stephens, J. F., F.L.S., Z.S., &c.
Occasional abundance and rarity of
certain British insects, 1615 ; Three
new British Coccinellidae, 1865;
Plan for an entomological journal,
1865
Stevens, Samuel
Captures of Lepidoptera, 1787; En-
tomological captures, 1867
Tavloe, Isaac, jun.
Tree destroyed by a longicorn beetle,
1671
Thomson, W., ju\.
Habits of a minute spider, 1651 ; Por-
rectaria laricella of Hubner, 1916
Thrupp, George A.
Notes on Lemur Catta, 1586
Tomes, R. F.
Occurrence of the bimaculated duck,
1698 ; White variety of the field
vole, 1768
Turner, H. N., jun.
On the disputed sensibility of insects,
1582 ; Scotophilus serotinus at
Folkestone, 1 635 ; Adult male spar-
row-hawk in plumage of female,
1637; Essay on classification, 1943 ;
Habits of the leech, 1956
Turner, Rev. William, M.A.
On the feelings of insects, 1576;
Anomalous appearance of insects,
1679
Vaughan, P. H.
Sphinx Convolvuli near Bristol, 1654 ;
Acherontia Atropos near Bristol,
1654 ; Lepidoptera near Bristol,
1881 ; Larva? taken at sugar, 1882 ;
Xanthia Centrago near Bristol,
1916
Walker, Francis, F.L.S., G.S.
Aberrant structure in a specimen of
Callimome, 1661 ; Rose-galls' or
Robin's pin-cushions, 1661
Wallace, Alfred R.
Trichius fasciatus near Neath, 1676
XV11
Weaver, Richard
Expunging names of British insects,
1657 ; Graphiphora subrosea, 1659 ;
Caterpillar of Sphinx Convolvuli,
1679 ; Cordulia arctica in Scotland,
1869
White, R. O.
Gannet near Dartford, 1701
Wollaston, T. V., B.A., F.L.S., F.C.P.S.
On the Coleoptera of the South of
Ireland, 1570; On the habits of
Dyschirii, 1671 ; Ctenlcerus sangui-
nicollis in Cambridgeshire, 1676 ;
Dictyonota crassicornis on the coast
of Suffolk, 1679; On the entomo-
logy of Lundy Island, 1753 ; Ma-
croplea Equiseti near Cambridge,
1805 ; Insects at the Salterns, 1897;
Lyranaeum areolatum in North
Wales, 1898; Coleoptera of the
South of Dorsetshire, 1934
Wolley, George
Singular disease in Sticklebacks, 1649
Wolley, J.
Reptiles near Bonn, 1602 ; Stoat car-
rying eggs, 1634 ; Postscript to Mr.
Wollaston's note (Zool. 1517) on
Nebria livida, 1674 ; Sagacity in
frogs, 1703 ; Does the cuckow carry
its eggs ? 1774 ; On jackdaw's nests,
1774 ; Is the edible frog a true na-
tive of Britain? 1821; Migrations
of insects, 1899
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF SUBJECTS.
Acheron tia Atropos near Ipswich, 1654 ;
near Bristol, 1654 ; on the treatment
of, 1657; at Ely, 1658; barren fe-
males, 1862
Acronycta Alni near Doncaster, 1659
JSgialites vociferus, 1817
Agdistes Bennetti in the Isle of Sheppy,
1661
Alosa communis, 1714
„ flnta, 1713
Alpaco or Paco, 1759
Anchovy, 1714
Andrena Afzeliella, 1929
„ albicans, 1734
„ albicrus, 1924
„ analis, 1920
„ angustior, 1745
„ apicatus, 1748
„ argentata, 1920
„ articulata, 1750
atra, 1734
„ bidentata, 1749
„ bimaculata, 1739
„ Cetii, 1668
„ chrysosceles, 1917
„ cineraria, 1735
„ cingulata, 1668
Clarkella, 1747
„ Coitana, 1919
„ combinata, 1923
Andrena conjuncta, 1744
„ connectens, 1924
„ consimilis, 1736
„ convexiuscula, 1927
„ decorata, 1667
„ distincta, 1744
„ dorsata, 1918
„ eximia, 1930
„ ■ ferox, 1670
„ fucata, 1743
fulva, 1746
„ fulvago, 1732
„ fulvescens, 1732
„ fulvicrus, 1916
„ fuscata, 1929
„ fuscipes, 1751
„ Gwynana, 1742
„ hemorrhoidal is, 1664
„ helvola, 1742
Kirbii, 1922
„ labialis, 1921
„ lacinia, 1751
„ Lewinella, 1923
„ Listerella, 1752
„ longipes, 1740
„ minutula, 1925
Mouffetella, 1738
„ nana, 1925
„ nigriceps, 1749
„ nigro-aenea, 1739
XV111
Andrena nitida, 1736
„ parvula, 1925
„ picicovnis, 1745
„ picipes, 1746
„ pilosula, 1926
„ polita, 1733
„ proxima, 1743
„ proxima, 1918
„ Rosae, 1665
„ rubricata, 1666
„ rufitarsis, 1750
„ separata, 1922
„ Sbawella, 1926
„ Smithella, 1748
„ spinigera, 1669
„ thoracica, 1735
„ tibialis, 1737
„ Trimmerana, 1740
„ varians, 1741
„ ' vitrea, 1737
Wilkella, 1918
„ xantbura, 1928
Angel-fish at Yarmoutb, 1692, 1956
Anguilla acutirostris, 1829
„ latirostris, 1830
„ mediorostris, 1830
Ant, the large wood, 1931
Antelope, habits of, 1688
Anticlea berberata near Chelmsford, 1661
Apalus bimaculatus, 1801
Apamea unanimis near Sheffield, 1659
Apion Limonii in the Isle of Sheppy,
1676
Argentine at Killiney Bay, 1879
Argynnis Lathonia near Norwich, 1652
Argyrotoza aeneana, 1864
Asterias, on the preparation of specimens
of, 1849
A teles marginatus, 1716
Auk, little, in Norfolk, 1601 ; near Down-
ham, 1642; near Durham, 1642; in
the Moray Firtb, 1642 ; near Cromer,
1642; near Chipping Norton, 1701
Auxis vulgaris at Yarmouth, 1955
Avocet in Norfolk, 1769 ; at Salthouse,
1769 ; at the Land's End, 1910
Badger, tame, 1683
Barbastelle bat in Norfolk, 1769
Bat in confinement, 1766
Bats, new species of, 1832
Bees, enumeration of the British, 1661 ;
description of British, belonging to
the genus Andrena, 1662, 1732, 1916 ;
preserving of the honey, 1671; de-
stroyed by the tulip, 1854 ; swarming
of, 1864
Beetle, tree destroyed by, 1671
Belone vulgaris, 1612
Bib, 1823
Bibbenpout, 1823
Birds, arrival of at Selsey, 1636 ; in Bra-
zil, 1637; rare near Ipswich, 1637;
curious mode of catching, 1689 ; ar-
rival of at Shooter's Hill, 1690; rare
near Bridlington, 1692 ; near Ipswich,
1692 ; arrival of at Elveden, 1693 ; near
Thetford, 1693 ; near Tadcaster, 1694 ;
rare at Kingsbridge, 1694; taken up
in a balloon, 1701 ; migration of in
Roxburghshire, 1770, 1786 ; arrival of
summer, at Broadway, 1807; of Ja-
maica, 1808 ; equal distribution of,
1856 ; arrival of at Elveden, 1871 ;
nidification of, 1871 ; arrival of at
Everton, 1872; food of the pie kind,
1872 ; provincial names of, 1907
Blackbird's nest on the ground, 1775
Black-cock, economy of, 1598
Bones near Saltcoats, 1686
Bonito at Yarmouth, 1955
Booby, 1819
Bot infesting the stag, 1569
Brill, 1827; rough, 1827
British Association, proceedings of, 1831
Browny, 1827
Buffalo-battues, 1687
Bulimus Lackhamensis near Cheltenham,
1651
Bunting, cirl, at Selbome, 1875
Buzzard, honey, in confinement, 1695
Callidium vexatum, 1676
„ vittigerum, 1677
Callimome, remarkable aberrant structure
of, 1661
Calcareous tuffa in reference to the giant
deer, 1683
Calocampa vetusta at Tankerley Park,
1658; near Huddersfield, 1659
Calaptes rupicola, 1762
Canis Azarae, 1763
„ fulvipes, 1764
„ Ingae, 1762
Carabus catenulatus attracted by sugar,
1674
Carbo Gaimardi, 1765
Carter, 1827
Cat, anecdote of, 1683, 1902; different
taste for food, 1851
Cathartes aura, 1765, 1808
„ fcetens, 1765
Cattle, lying down of, 1850
Catocala Fraxini at Yarmouth, 1661
Catocala sponsa and promissa in the New
Forest, 1867
Centriscus Scolopax, 1612
Cephalopterus ornatus, 1720
XIX
Cevambycites, descriptions of new, 1676
Cerura bicuspis in Britain, 1863
Cervus antisiensis, 1761
Cetacea, new species of, 1831
Chalcis sispes in the Isle of Sheppy, 1661
Chaffinch, curious variety of, 1955
Charadrius resplendens, 1762
Chloephaga megaloptera, 1762
ClassiHcation, essay on, 1943
Claviger foveolatus in Oxfordshire, 1804
Clisiocampa castrensis, 1655
Clupea alba, 1713
„ harengus, 1711
pilchardus, 1644, 1705
„ sprattus, 1711
Coccinella labilis in Britain, 1864
Coccinellae, new British, 1865; extraor-
dinary quantity of, 1898 ; flight of,
1899
Coccyx Cosmophorana, 1884
Cod, 1822
Coleoptera of the South of Ireland, 1570 ;
in the North of England, 1674 ; near
Gravesend, 1864 ; of the South of
Dorsetshire, 1934
Colias Edusa, 1862 ; near York, 1884 ; at
Godalming, 1884 ; at Leominster,
1884
Colias Hyale, 1862
Columba infuscata, 1722
„ melancholica, 1722
Condor, 1772
Conger vulgaris, 1830
Conner, cook, 1610 ; red, 1610
Conurus flaviventer, 1816
Coomber, 1610
Cordulia arctica in Scotland, 1869
Corkling, 1611
Corkwing corker, 1611
Cormorant, habit of, 1906
Couch's ' Illustrations of Instinct,' 1902
Crake, little, in Norfolk, 1777 ; Baillon's,
in Ireland, 1877
Crenilabrus cornubicus, 1611
„ Luscus, 1611
„ microstoma, 1611
„ multidentatus, 1611
„ rupestris, 1611
„ tinea, 1611
Crossbill, white-winged, in Cumberland,
1638
Crotophaga sulcata, 1765
Crows, do birds of this tribe cover their
eggs ? 1774 ; anecdote of, 1775
Crowther, notice of the late Mr., 1633
Crustacea, on the preparation of speci-
mens of, 1849; circulation in, 1837
Ctenicerus sanguinicollis in Cambridge-
shire, 1676
Cuckoo, observations on the, 1637 ; does
it carry its eggs? 1774; arrival of at
Whitehaven, 1774
Cyclopterus lumpus, 1828
„ Montagui, 1828
Cygnus nigricollis, 1764
Cynthia Cardui, assemblage of, 1652
Cystignathus sylvestris, 1724
Dab, 1827
Deer, bones of extinct, 1589, 1593, 1620,
1683, 1685
Deilephila Livornica near Preston and
Carlisle, 1653
Deilephila Celerio in Norfolk, 1653; at
Seaford, 1653; near Ledbury, 1653;
at Huddersfield, 1653; at Branting-
ham Thorp, 1863 ; larva of, 1885
Dictyonota crassicornis on the coast of
Suffolk, 1679
Didelphis impavida, 1719
„ noctivaga, 1719
Diomedea exulans, 1763
Dodo, a species of the Columbidae, 1837
Dogs, habits of Roman, 1635 ; prairie,
1688; anecdotes of, 1854 ; Newfound-
land, preying on crabs, 1902
Doubleday's List of Lepidoptera, 1912
Dove, ring, anecdote of, 1860
Dredge, Ball's, 1847
Dreissena polymorpha near Cheltenham,
1651
Drymomys parvulus, 1719
Duck, Muscovy, piscivorous habit of, 1820
Duck, scaup, near Godalming, 1641 ;
hatched in trees, 1642 ; harlequin,
near Torquay, 1697; bimaculated,
1698
Ducks, half-bred, 1598; long-tailed, 1599;
golden-eye, 1599
Dyschirii, habits of, 1671
Eagle, golden, near Hungerford, 1695
Echinomys leptosoma, 1719
Eel, sharp-nosed, 1829 ; broad-nosed,
1830 ; snig, 1830 ; conger, 1830
Eggs, on handling birds', 1872
Elaps affinis, 1724
Engraulis encrasicholus, 1714
Epione advenaria at Battel, 1885
Eriomys Chinchilla, 1761
Erebia Melampus, reasons for expunging
from a Catalogue of British Lepidop-
tera, 1730
Euchromia ericetana in the Isle of Wight,
1863
Eunectes murinus, 1724
Euphonia Jamaica, 1816
Eupisteria picearia, 1883
XX
Exocaetus exiliens, 1614
Fauna of Moray, remark on the, 1634
Feeling of insects, 1576, 1582, 1680,
1681
Felis celidogaster, 1718
„ concolor, 1761
„ macroura, 1718
„ pardalis, 1718
Fish, trumpet, 1612 ; woodcock, 1612 ;
bellows, 1612 ; flying, 1614
Fishes of the Land's End, 1608, 1644,
1705, 1822
Fleuke, 1827
Flounder, 1827
Flies, queries respecting, 1868
Forkbeard, lesser, 1826
Frog, edible, is it a true native of Britain ?
1821
Frog, fishing, 1608
Frogs, sagacity in, 1643, 1703
Fulica gigantea, 1762
Gannet near Dartford, 1701
Garfish, 1612
Garrick, 1612
Geese, wild, 1600 ; tame, mode of flight
of, 1956
Glyphipteryx eximia near London, 1661
Godwit, black-tailed, in Norfolk, 1785,
1956; bar-tailed, near Banff, 1910
Goldcrest, peculiar trait in the, 1906
Golden-eye, 1599
Goldsinny, 1611 ; Iago's, 1611
Gossamer. webs, enquiry respecting, 1651
Gosse's Birds of Jamaica, 1808
Grakle, tinkling, 1815
Graphiphora subrosea of Stephens, 1659
„ depuncta near Carlisle, 1885
Grebe, little, in December, 1601
Guano, 1726
Guillemot, habit of, 1906
Gull, Iceland, in*Norfolk, 1601 ; glaucous,
at Ramsgate, 1642; ivory, at Pen-
zance, 1699; in Aberdeenshire, 1700
Gutta percha applied to modelling, 1832
Gyr-falcon, 1806
Haddock, 1823
Hadena assimilis, 1914
Hake in Norfolk, 1692; in Cornwall,
1824
Hake's dame, 1826
Haltica vittata, habits of, 1804
Harrier, Montagu's, near Kingsbridge,
1806
Hedgehog devouring eggs, 1634 ; anec-
dote of, 1768 ; habits of, 1851
Heron, purple, near Lydd, 1777
Herring, 1711
Highlands, St. John's Wild Sports in the,
1596
Hippoglossus vulgaris, 1827
Holibut, 1827
Hoopoe near Ipswich, 1697; in Ireland,
1697
Horia maculata, 1801
Huanucu, 1759
Humming-bird, long-tailed, 1812
Hydraspis expansa, 1722
Hydraecia Petasitis, 1914
Hydrocantharidae, revision of British,
1887; postscript to, 1932
Hymenoptera near Gravesend, 1864
Ibis Ordi, 1762
Insects, on the occasional abundance and
rarity of certain British, 1615 ; ex-
punging names from the list of British,
1657; anomalous appearance of, 1679 ;
introduction of exotic into collections
of British, 1728; in the Isle of Port-
land, 1867; stratagem, 1869; at the
Salterns, 1897; migration of, 1899
Instinct, Couch's Illustrations of, 1902
Iulislulis, 1611
Jackdaw, carnivorous propensity of the,
1820
Jackdaws, nests of, 1774
Jamaica, Gosse's Birds of, 1808
Jenyn's Observations on Natural History,
1850
Journal, plan for an entomological, 1865
Kestrel breeding in a hollow tree, 1820
Kingfisher, rearing of, 1639; habits of,
1639
Kit, 1827
Kitten swallowing a steel skewer, 1635
Labrus Balanus, 1609
„ carneus, 1610
„ comber, 1610
„ lineatus, 1610
„ variegatus, 1610
Lachesis picta, 1723
„ rhombeata, 1723
Lagidium peruanum, 1761
Lagocheirus Inceii, 1677
Lagothrix Humboldtii, 1716
Lamprey, 1847
Lantern, 1827
Lapwing, enquiry respecting the rearing
of, 1872
Lark; supposed new species of, 1697
Larus serranus, 1762
„ Rossii near Tadcaster, 1 782
XXI
Larva? taken at sugar, 1882.
Lasiocampa, new species of, 1655, 1731
Lasiocampa Trifolii, 1885
Leech, habits of, 1956
Lemur, ring-tailed, 1586
Leiupertis viridis, 1763
Lepidogaster bimaculatus, 1828
„ cornubiensis, 1828
Lepidoptera, occasional scarcity of, 1660 ;
captures of, 1787, 1788, 1789; at
Lewisham, 1790; at Pashley, 1791 ;
diurnal, of East Lothian, 1861; near
Yaxley, 1881; near Bristol, 1881; in
1847, 1882; new to Britain, 1883;
Doubleday's List of, 1912; captures
of at Lewisham, by means of light,
1915
Lepidosiren annectens a reptile, 1834
Leptocephalus Morrisii, 1831
Life, animal, in the Peruvian forests,
1716
Ling, 1825
Lithosia pygmaeola, 1914
„ stramineola, 1914
Llama, 1758
Locust, migratory, at Yarmouth, 1677 ; in
Devonshire, 1678 ; near Manchester,
1678; near Hull, 1678 ; at Newcastle-
on-Tyne, 1900; near York, 1900; at
Eedcar, 1900 ; reappearance of, 1900
Loom, habits of the, 1906
Lophius piscatorius, 1608
Lota molva, 1825
Lundy Island, entomology of, 1753
Lymnaeum areolatum in North Wales,
1898
Mackerel garrick, 1613
Mackerel midge, 1825
Macroplea Equiseti near Cambridge, 1805
Mamestra nigricans near Gillingham,
1658
Marten, pine, in Surrey, 1806; two sup-
posed British species identical, 1870
Martins at Springfield, 1638; sand, near
Penzance, 1696 ; arrival of in Wor-
cestershire, 1777; singular habit of
house, 1859 ; nesting of, 1905
Mary, 1827
Megrim, 1828
Melitaea Dia, reasons for expunging from
a catalogue of British Lepidoptera,
1730, 1884
Meloe Proscarabaeus, 1801
Merlangus carbonarius, 1824
„ poutassou, 1824
„ vulgaris, 1823
Merlucius vulgaris, 1824
Mice, anecdotes of, 1 905
Microscopical Society of London, 1618,
1805
Midgen, 1825
Mimus polyglottus, J 814
Mocking-bird, 1814
Mole, voracity of, 1767 ; habits of, 1903
Mollusca, the families of British lamel-
libranchiate, 1838 ; notes of British,
1839
Monkey, antipathy of to a tortoise, 1683 ;
and castanha-nut, 1869
Monohammus vastator, 1677
Monochirus linguatulus, 1828
Moorhen with deformed feet, 1601
Morphnus harpyia, 1720
Morrhua aeglefinus, 1823
„ lusca, 1823
„ minuta, 1823
„ vulgaris, 1822
Morris, 1831
Motella glauca, 1825
„ quinquecerrata, 1825
„ vulgaris, 1825
Murasna Helena, 1831
Musk-rat, 1688
Mycteria americana, 1722
Myopotamus coypus, 1764
Natterjack at Selborne, 1879 ; at Godal-
ming, 1879
Natural History, Jenyn's, 1850
Nautilus Pompilius, structure of, 1836
Nebria livida, postscript on, 1674
Noctua Templi near Carlisle, 1658
Nuthatch, white, 1601
Nyctibiusjamaicensis, 1810
Octodon Cumingii, 1763
Odontophorus speciosus, 1722
(Estrus infesting the stag, 1569
Omias Bohemani, 1804
Opetiorhynchus ruficaudus, 1721
Oriole, golden, near Norwich, 1785
Ornithological occurrences in Norfolk,
1601, 1691, 1701, 1769, 1785, 1820,
1955
Osprey at Westwich, 1785 ; near Down-
ham Market, 1807; near Cromer,
1955
Otaria aurita, 1764
„ chilensis, 1764
„ jubata, 1764
„ Ulloae, 1764
„ Ursina, 1764
Otter breeding in the gardens of the Zoo-
logical Society, 1901
Ouzel, ring, in Norfolk, 1769; water,
habits of, 1875
xxu
Owl, night conversation of, 1696; snowy,
in Norfolk, 1769 ; scops eared, at the
Scilly Islands, 1773 ; tame barn, 1857 ;
anecdote of, 1905
Paludina, description of a remarkable spe-
cies of, 1786
Palm-swift, 1810
Pamphila Actaeon near Weymouth, 1867
Parroquet, yellow-bellied, 1816
Partridge, account of a tame, 1601 ; de-
structive to eggs, 1876
Peal, 1614
Pelican, rufous-necked, 1818
Pelicanus fuscus, 1818
Peru, Tschudi's Travels in, 1716, 1758,
1772
Petrel, stormy, near Chipping Norton,
1643 ; near Knaresborough, 1643 ; at
Halifax, 1643
Phalarope, gray, near Chipping Norton,
1640 ; at Wretham, 1640 ; at Mitchel-
dean, 1697; red-necked, near Salt-
house, 1955
Pheasant, note on, 1856 ; anecdote of,
1861
Phlogophora meticulosa in January, 1659
Phycis furcatus, 1 826
Phyllostoma erythromos, 1717
„ hastatum, 1717
Phytonomus mixtus discovered in South
Dorsetshire, 1936
Pigs, American, anecdote of, 1636
Pike, 1847
Pilchard, 1644, 1705
Pissodes Pini at Gosforth, 1 805
Plaice, 1826
Platalea ajaja, 1722
Platessa flessus, 1827
„ limanda, 1827
„ microcephalus, 1827
„ vulgaris, 1826
Plover, Norfolk, in December, 1601 ; kill-
deer, 1817
Pochard, Paget's, description of, 1778 ;
breeding in Norfolk, 1782
Polia occulta near Huddersfield, 1659
Pollack, rauning, 1824
Polyborus megalopterus, 1762
Porphyrio Martinica, 1818
Porrectaria Laricella of Hiibner, 1916
Potato disease not induced by an insect,
1835
Potoo, 1810
Power, 1823
Prairie-dogs, 1688
Pselaphidae, on the British species, of,
1932
Psittacus mercenarius, 1721
Psyche, new British, 1863
Pteroptochus rubecula, 1764
Quadrupeds, action of, in walking, 1 85 1
Quail in Norfolk, in December, 1601 ; in
January, 1692
Quiscalus crassirostris, 1815
Quit, blue, 1816
Rabbits' teeth, malformation in, 1855
Raniceps trifurcatus, 1826
Rat, water, food of, 1768
Ray, description of a new, 1880
Redbreast, anecdote of, 1858
Redstart, black, near Torquay, 1697
Record, curious ornithological, 1772
Regulus, fire-crested, near Truro, 1638
Reptiles near Bonn, 1602
Rhombus Arnoglossus, 1828
„ hirtus, 1827
„ maximus, 1827
„ megastoma, 1827
„ vulgaris, 1827
Rhynchops nigra, 1764
Rhyncoea Hilaerea, 1722
Robins at sea, 1638
Rock cook, 1611
Rockling, five- bearded, 1825; three-
bearded, 1825
Roebuck, hair of, 1871
Rook, winter food of, 1859 ; aristocratic
taste of, 1906
Rook's beak, nudity of the base of, 1638,
1696; suck birds' eggs, 1859
Rose-galls, 1661
Salmo fario, 1614
„ salar, 1614
„ trutta, 1614
Salmon, 1614 ; deadly encounter between
two, 1650
Sandpiper, common, 1876
Scardia Picarella, 1884
Scolopax frenata, 1764
Scomberesox saurus, 1613
Scotophilus serotinus at Folkestone, 1635
Scyllaea, anatomy of, 1839
Seal, discrepancy in the colour of, 1870 ;
supposed new British, 1870
Season of 1846, 1691
Serpent, the great sea, 1604, 1714, 1841,
1911
Shad, twaite, 1713 ; allice, 1714
Shag, habits of the, 1906
Shanny's nest attended by a stickleback,
1911
Shieldrake, ruddy, in Ireland, 1877
XX111
Shvew, common, voracity of, 1852
Shrike, great gray, at Downham, 1637 ;
in Norfolk, 1691
Sitaris humeralis, 1800
Skipper, 1613
Skua, Kichardson's, on the coast of Nor-
folk, 1956
Snipe, tame, 1640
Sole, 1827, 1828 ; variegated, 1828
Solea vulgaris, 1828
Sparrow-hawk, adult male in plumage of
female, 1637
Sparrow, Java, breeding in England,
1807 ; nesting of tree, in Oxfordshire,
1875
Spheniscus Humboldtii, 1764
Sphinx Convolvuli at Yarmouth, 1653 ;
larva of, 1653, 1884 ; near Ipswich,
1654; in the Isle of Wight, 1554;
near Bristol, 1654 ; near Maidstone,
1654 ; near Ely, 1655 ; caterpillar of,
1679 ; at Battel, 1916
Sphinx Ligustri three years in the pupa
state, 1658
Spider, habits of a minute, 1651 ; bird-
catching, 1881
Spoonbill near Yarmouth, 1784
Sprat, 1713
Squirrel, habits of the, 1689; eating a
fungus, 1820
Sterna luca, 1765
„ velox in Ireland, 1878
St. John's ■ Wild Sports in the Highlands,'
1596
Sticklebacks, singular disease in, 1649
Stint, Temminck's, at Yarmouth, 1785
Stoat carrying eggs, 1634 ; habits of,
1852 ; caught by a cat, 1853
Sturgeons, capture of in the Usk, 1649
Stylopites, affinities of, 1792
Sucker, Cornish, 1828 ; bimaculated, 1828 ;
lump, 1828 ; Montagu's, 1828
Sula parva, 1819
„ variegata, 1765
Sultana, 1818
Swallows at Springfield, 1638 ; in Janu-
ary, 1639
Swans on Lake Pepin, 1698
Sword-fish at Boston, 1911
Sylvia Turdoides near Newcastle, 1875
Symbius Blattarum, 1801
Systema Naturae, Poet Gray's copy of,
1850
Tachomis phaenicobia, 1810
Tantalus loculator, 1722
Teeth, rabbits', malformation in, 1855
Tench, 1612
Tern, whiskered, in Norfolk, 1820; in
Ireland, 1877; habits of, 1879
Tetanocera ferruginea, metamorphoses of,
1885
Theristochus melanopis, 1762
Thirocerus Ingae, 1762
Thrush, missel, 1775; miscoloured eggs
of, 1875
Tinamotis Pentlandii, 1762
Tinea vulgaris, 1612
Toad, living, imprisoned in stone, 1879
Toads, chanting of, 1821
Todus viridis, 1811
Tody, green, 1811
Tommy noddy, 1826
Topknot, Muller's, 1827
Tortoise bank, 1702
Trachaea Atriplicis at sugar, 1885
Trichius fasciatus near Pont-y-pool, 1676 ;
near Neath, 1676
Trochilus Amazilia, 1765
„ chrysurus, 1721
„ cora, 1765
„ Polytmus, 1812
Troglodytes audax, 1726
Trogon heliothrix, 1721
Trout, 1614 ; habits of in Lake Huron,
1649; enormous, 1847
Tschudi's 'Travels in Peru, &c.,' 1716,
1758, 1772
Turbot, 1827
Turtle, collared, 1860
Turtle-dove in Moray, 1598
Unicorn, 1636
Ursus frugilegus, 1717
„ ornatus, 1761
Valparaiso, zoology of, 1763
Vanessa Antiopa at Stoke Newington,
1652; near Bristol, 1652; near Ely,
1652 ; near Coventry, 1653 ; near
Norwich, 1702 ; near Kingsbury, 1791
Vole, field, white variety of, 1768 ;* water,
black variety of, 1854
Vicuna, 1759
Vulture, John-Crow, 1808
Warbler's, grasshopper, nest near Down-
ham Market, 1807 ; Savi's, near Cam-
bridge, 1807; remarks on the nests
and eggs of, 1874
Wax wing, Bohemian, in Bedfordshire,
1777
Whistler, 1825 ; brown, 1825
Whitebait, 1713
Whiting, 1823; poutassou, 1824
Wild Sports in the Highlands, 1596
XXIV
Woodcock, note on, 1876; migration of, 1610; three-spotted, 1610; rainbow,
1877 1611; scale-rayed, 1611
Woodpecker, lesser spotted, in Norfolk, 1769
Wood-pigeons, service of, 1598 Xanthia Centrago near Bristol, 1916
Wrasse, common, 1609 ; green-streaked, „ xerampelina, 1916
ADVERTISEMENT.
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THE ZOOLOGIST
FOR 1847.
a. The larva of CEstrus Cervi. b. Anterior extremity of the same, showing the hooks,
anterior extremity having been separated.
The pupa, the
Note on the Bot infesting the Stag. — After considerable delay, from various unfor-
seen causes, I am enabled to present thy subscribers with a view of the larva and pupa of
the bot of the deer, objects hitherto quite unknown, I believe, to naturalists. Reaumur
has indeed given a representation of the larva of this species, but it is evident, from
the very elongated figure he has given of it, that it must have been dead some time,
and obtained this lengthened figure from putrefaction. This larva, several of which I
have had alive, so much resembles that of the CEstrus of the sheep, that they might be
taken on a careless inspection for one another, that of the deer is, however, somewhat
proportionally longer and less angular. All efforts to preserve them out of their lo-
cality in the throat of the stag seem hopeless ; I have had many from the New Forest
by the kindness of the Superintendant there, and though kept on membranes and fed
with milk in a warm place, they uniformly died within forty-eight hours. The present
specimen was so far advanced in its growth that it assumed the chrysalis state, but died
in that state and never came out. Though positive proof still fail us, I am brought to
the firmest conviction that the stag bot is no other than the CEstrus pictus, found by
1570 Insects.
my late friend George Samouelle, in the New Forest, and since taken in the same
place by our very worthy friend and excellent entomologist, J. C. Dale, Esq., and as
there is no bot-fly known in this country that we do not fully understand in all its states,
so it brings us to the all but absolute proof that it is no other than the (Estrus pictus,
so called by Curtis in his excellent 'British Entomology,' and by the continental na-
turalists. This larva, with others, at different times was received by me by the kind
aid of my worthy friend John Bolt, of Lyndhurst, assisted by the kindly interference
also of the present forest-keeper and ranger, who desired any larvae found in the killed
venison to be brought to him. Any one desirous of seeing a good representation or fi-
gure of this species may consult my * Treatise ' on this genus, pi. 1, fig. 40, with nearly
or quite all the other members in their respective changes of this truly remarkable fa-
mily.— Bracy Clark ; 7, Taunton Place, Regent's Park.
Note on the Coleoptera of the South of Ireland. By T. Vernon
Wollaston, Esq., B.A., F.C.P.S.
Having been requested to draw up a notice of ray last year's Ento-
mological campaign in the South of Ireland, it is not without reluc-
tance that I do so, inasmuch as there were circumstances present
which render the season particularly unfavourable to the Entomolo-
gist. Six weeks of uninterrupted rain, and that too in a mountainous
country where the floods quickly rise and carry all before them, had
destroyed the superabundant life which the early spring had fostered,
and when I arrived in Ireland on the 10th of August, the summer
was too far advanced for me to gain, even by the hardest work, more
than a rough and general outline of the Coleoptera of this interesting
district. Still, having devoted all that remained of the season to my
favourite pursuit, and having had opportunities of visiting, for the sole
purpose of collecting, many remote parts of Kerry and Cork, 1
register the following observations in the full assurance that every
drop which is added to the sea of knowledge, brings with it its own
amount of utility, which, although it be from its smallness, inappre-
ciable in itself, is nevertheless not without its value when mixed up
in the general mass.
And, to commence, I ought to state that my first impression (on
which I would lay the greatest stress) was twofold, — viz, the extraor-
dinary scarcity of insects in general to that I had been accostumed
to observe in England; and the large preponderance which the water
species everywhere bore, in point of numbers, over the land ones.
Whether, in one broad view, these facts are to be accounted for by
Insects. 1571
the humidity of the atmosphere, which, in its extreme state, is well
known to be as unfavourable to the reproduction of the strictly terres-
trial insects as it is favourable to those which are aquatics, it is im-
possible to say ; but, certain it is that this unequal distribution does
exist, and moreover that the ratio of the existing numbers obtaining
between that country and our own, is so extraordinary, that I am con-
vinced that St. Patrick, when, in the sublime words of the Poet,
He drove the frogs into the bogs
And smother'd up all the varmin,
must have included under the latter head, not only its strict and legi-
timate members, but a large variety of creatures, which to admit with-
in its precincts, verily Entomologists would be indignant !
My first centre of action was Killarney. Here, as well as in the
other neighbourhoods, the water-insects stood pre-eminent. The
Lakes themselves harboured next to nothing, — but every river running
into them, (especially the beautiful Flesk, of which 1 cannot speak
in too high terms whether as regards its entomological productions
or its scenery), every mountain tarn and every little stream in the
whole vicinity where positively choked with Coleoptera, albeit the
species were but few. From those captured in the river Flesk, which
is a fair average example of the other streams, I would select the fol-
lowing, which inhabit it in profusion :
Haliplus fulvus Laccophilus minutus
ruficollis Gyrinus natator
lineatus (Aube.) substriatus
Hygrotus collaris lineatus
reticulatus Parnus prolifericornis
inaequalis Elmis Volkmari
scitulus . parallelopipedus
pictus Helophorus granulans
Hydroporus depressus Enicocerus tristis
12-puuctatus Octhebius pygmseus
alpinus Hydrsena riparia
tristis? Limnebius ater
rufifrons Laccobius minutus
ovalis ochraceus
nigrita globosus
palustris Philhydrus melanocephalus
-erythrocephalus
1572 Insects.
And it is curious to observe how almost exactly they coincide with
the species noticed by Mr. Haliday in the north of Ireland, in the
stream between Toome Bridge and Lough Beg.
In the mountain tarns the species were even less numerous, — never-
theless the number of specimens was prodigious. On the mountain
called Cromaglaun, about six miles from Killarney, (on which in a
former number of c the Zoologist,' I described having taken that very
rare and beautiful little shell, the Amphipeplea involuta) I was greatly
struck at the enormous quantity of specimens which these small
alpine lakes produce. Nevertheless the only species I could discover
were the following, which are pretty much the same as those which
are found in all the similar positions : Hygrotus scitulus, Haliplus
lineato-collis, Hydroporus palustris, erythrocephalus, rufifrons and
nigrita, Laccobius globosus, Gyrinus substriatus and marinus.
If we turn to the land species of this district, we at once find the
great preponderance which the commoner Geodephaga display, — a
race which, next to the Hydradephaga, rank undoubtedly foremost
in point of numbers. For instance under the large blocks of stone
and at the damp roots of the trees on the sides of the mountain, we
find abundance ofCychrus rostratus, Helobia brevicollis, Agonum pa-
rumpunctatum, Badister bipustulatus, Synuchus vivalis, Omaseus
nigrita, Harpalusruficornis, Argutor vernalis, Trechus minutus, brun-
nipes, and the like. On the banks of the Lower Lake a very interest-
ing insect occurred to me, but unfortunately I could only obtain a
single specimen. This was the Nebria borealis. Mr. Haliday has
been accustomed for some years past to capture it in the north of
Ireland, on the sandy shores of Lough Neagh, which was I believe
the only recorded locality in the United Kingdom, having been first
discovered by Mr. Patterson. It is therefore with much pleasure that
I find it so far south as the Lakes of Killarney. Being at the time
unacquainted with the insect and taking it for a small specimen of
Blethisa, I had placed it in my cabinet under that name without ex-
amination. It would have there remained in obscurity had not my
attention been called to it by Mr. Haliday a short time ago, who
kindly sent me examples from his northern locality and pointed out
the distinctions. I was also much gratified at finding the remains of
my old friend Cossonus Tardii in this remote locality. Near the old
Weir Bridge, at the entrance of the channel at the Upper Lake, are
a quantity of decayed hollies, — several of which I found infested with
the dead carcases of Cossonus. It is a singular fact that this insect
has not yet been discovered in any part of the continent of Europe.
Insects. 15 73
Ireland was the original country in which it was observed, and the
discovery is due to Mr. Tardy of Dublin, who procured it from decay-
ed hollies at Powerscourt Waterfall in the county of Wicklow. I
believe /had the pleasure of first recording it as an English species,
having found it (Zool. 702 and 775) in considerable abundance on
the coasts of Devonshire and Cornwall in the summer of 1844.
Of my other captures I record the following, not on account of
their rarity, but merely to give a general idea of the species which
are found more particularly abundant in this immediate locality.
Peryphus atrocaeruleus Sitona canina
Cercyon melanocephalum Apion curtirostre
stercorarium Loti
Meligethes viridescens carduorum
Micropeplus porcatus hsematodes
Aphodius contaminatus flavipes
Cyphon Padi Donacia cincta
Pini {Curtis.) Haltica Pseudacori
Rhinusa tricolor exoleta
Sphaerula Lythri Thyamis ochroleuca
Nedyus Cochleariae lurida.
Ericas Macrocnema affinis
Phytobius velatus Blaps mortisaga
Anoplus plantaris Tachyporus hypnorum
Anthonomus pedicularius nitidicollis
Otiorhynchus singularis Philonthus marginatus
Sitona regentsteinensis Stenus levior
lineata Platysthetus sulcatus
tibialis Oxytelus depressus.
The banks of the river Flesk are the best collecting grounds in the
vicinity of Killarney, and that portion of them between Flesk priory
and the shores of the Lower Lake I found by far the most productive.
At GlengarifFe in the county of Cork, I met with tolerable success
but, here, as in all the other maritime localities, the Brachelytra occu-
pied the largest portion of the insect community. The damp woods
at the head of Ban try Bay produce an abundance of the commoner
Geodephaga, — and I here for the first time met with Phosphuga sub-
rotundata, — an insect so common in many parts of Ireland, though
not yet recorded as an English species. The following short list
will give a fair idea of the few insects with which these unproductive
woods more particularly abound :
1574 Insects.
Helobia brevicollis Aphodius finietarius
Agonum parumpunctatum Otiorhynchus sulcatus
Badister bipustulatus Lagria hirta
Synuchus vivalis Astenus angustatus
Argutor vernalis Oxytelus nitens
Omaseus nigrita depressus
Harpalus latus Platysthetus sulcatus
Trechus fulvus Rugilus orbiculatus
Notiophilus striatus Lathrobium punctato-striatum
Laccobius globosus Staphylinus aeneocephalus
Cercyon laterale Xantholinus linearis
— atomarium Raphirus semiobscurus
-minutum Quedius impressus
-stercorarium Tachyporus chrysomelinus
Aphodius prodroraus subtestaceus.
Further inland the county of Cork opens a far richer field to the
entomologist. Leaving the bare, uncultivated tracts of Kerry (as un-
productive as they are beautiful) greater fertility abounds, and along
with it, civilization, comparatively speaking, strides apace. The im-
mediate neighbourhood of Cork I had but little time to explore, and
nothing in any way uncommon occurred to me. The exertions,
however, of my friend Mr. Clear, have satisfactorily proved the
locality to be a good one ; and it is to him that I am indebted for a
new and very beautiful Hydroporus (which I hope shortly to describe
under the specific name of trifasciatus), captured in the river Lee,
near that city. The rare and interesting Melolontha Hippocastani,
already alluded to in the ' Zoologist,' he informs me he has been
accustomed to take sparingly near Bandon ; from which locality I am
indebted to him for specimens of water insects, including Elmis
Volkmari, variabilis and parallelopipedus, species which throughout
the whole of Ireland appear to be unusually abundant. Otiorhyn-
chus Monticola [Germar) also I possess from the same locality.
The neighbourhood of Kanturk produced me a far richer harvest
than I reaped in any other part of Ireland. At Rosnalie, the seat of
W. Leader, Esq., I had a good opportunity of investigating this un-
explored district. Situated on the river Blackwater, and surrounded
by a variety of soils, few spots in Ireland which I saw opened a wider
and more extensive field for Natural History in general. Amongst
many well-known species, and many obscurities, which are yet to be
determined, 1 record the following as characteristic representatives of
Insects.
1575
this interesting locality ; all of which, with one or two exceptions, oc-
curred in considerable abundance : —
Blemus paludosus
Hygrotus scitulus
Hydroporus 12-punctatus
alpinus
palustris
planus
Gyrinus natator
Hydraena riparia
Limnebius ater
truncatellus
Laccobius globosus
Cercyon Boletophagum
laterale
contaminatum
Ephistemus gyrinoides
Leiodes thoracica
rufipennis
Agathidium badium [Erich. ?)
Clambus Enshamensis
Orthoperus nigrescens
Meligethes nigricornis ?
Micropeplus staphylinoides ?
Trichopteryx atomaria ?
Anisarthria minutissima ?
Atomaria phaeogaster
atricapilla
atra
nigriventns
Latridius lardarius
transversus
Corticaria longipennis
ferruginea
transversalis
Byturus tomentosus
Monotonia augustata
Cryptophagus cellaris
Ulicis
Aphodius contaminatus
Cyphon Padi
Nedyus Erysimi
contractus
troglodytes
Notaris acridulus
Hypera Ruraicis
• nigrirostris
Otiorhynchus singularis
Sciaphilus muricatus
Strophosomus obesus
Sitona canina
subaurata
Apion haematodes
Hydrolapathi
carduorum
virens
Ervi
Loti
flavipes
apricans
Vicise
Gyllenhalii
Sphaeriestes immaculatus
Crioceris cyanella
Thyamis tabida
melanocephala
fuscescens
Sphaeroderma testacea
Phaedon tumidula
Coccinella variabilis
1 8 - guttata
Rhyzobius litura
Lagria hirta
Anthicus fuscus
Tachyporus chrysomelinus
hypnorum
nitidicollis
libens
merdarius
collar is
1570 Insects.
Tachyporus subtostaceus Platysthetus sulcatus
Tachinus pullus Megarthrus retusus
Stenus nanus ? Othius melanocephalus
lineatulus fulvipennis
impressus (Erich.) Syntomium aeneura (Mull.) =
picipes nigroaeneum (Curtis).
bupthalmus Quedius obliteratus (Erich.)
circulates (Gyll.) Hypocyptus laeviusculus.
Xantholinus glabratus
At Castle Cor, not far from hence, I met with Trachyphlaeus
Waltoni (Schon.) and two species of Rhyzophagus, viz. ferrugineus
and cribratus. From the extreme difficulty of naming the smaller
Brachelytra, I have omitted noticing many species which would
otherwise be of interest. Nevertheless, the preceding remarks will, I
trust, give some idea of the Coleoptera more particularly abundant
throughout this extensive district. At some future time (not far dis-
tant) I hope to have better opportunities of investigating this portion
of its Entomological Fauna, and adding further observations on the
result of my researches.
T. V. WOLLASTON.
Jesus College, Cambridge.
On the Feeling of Insects. By the Rev. William Turner, M.A.
I had no intention of recurring to the subject of impaled Lepidop-
tera, but as Mr. Wollaston has stated, in the last number (Zool. 1556)
he was not aware of what 1 had written (Zool. 1342) at the time he
penned his communication (Zool. 1434), it is quite clear that his ob-
servations could only have an accidental reference to mine ; and,
therefore, I feel it right to apologise to him (which I readily do) for
having erroneously supposed that the allusions were designed. I con-
fess that I regarded his communication as an attempt to ridicule the
notion that a Noctua could be impaled without causing it pain.
Having- said thus much, I will — as Mr. Wollaston has shown that
the subject is not so unpleasant as I had imagined — pursue it a little
further, that I may notice some considerations which I am taxed with
having left out of the question. These, if I understand aright, are —
slow circulation in insects ; this circulation retarded by sleep ; vital
force diminished by sleep , and analogy.
Insects. 1577
Now what I advanced at first, and still maintain, is, that the
struggles of impaled insects cannot proceed from pain. All Mr.
Newman's instances, so opportunely published, strongly corroborate
this position. My prejudices were once so strong in the opposite
direction that, for some time, I ceased to be a collector : it was mere
chance that led me to examine the matter more closely; and I now
impale an insect without any serious compunction. •
I confined myself to Nature, and observed facts. I found — that
nocturnal Lepidoptera which sit with their bodies close to the sub-
stance on which they rest, may be impaled, and remain motionless,
for hours, I believe the whole day ; that at night, when they would
begin to fly, they struggle, and probably continue to do so, more or
less, through the night ; that the next day they are perfectly still
again ; and so on alternately : that in diurnal Lepidoptera the reverse
takes place ; they struggle in the day, whenever the sun's rays are
admitted to them, and remain quiescent at night : that if an impaled
Noctua be roused during the day, and the pin be then withdrawn, the
insect, for the most part, immediately composes itself as if nothing
had happened : that nocturnal Lepidoptera are with more difficulty
impaled, and more easily roused, according as they sit, when in re-
pose, with their bodies more or less raised from the substance on
which they rest. I have rarely been able to pierce any species of
Triphaena, and never could succeed with any of Eudorea or Ptero-
phorus. This brief recapitulation is necessary, for the purpose of
(by and by) testing the results by analogy.
I have very carefully read, and have been very much amused — even
at my own expense — with Mr. Wollaston's interesting communication ;
but I do not find that it contains anything to disprove the conclusion
which I have drawn, though I do find myself charged with leaving
out of the question several important considerations. A great deal of
it — however interesting in other respects — has, I think, nothing to do
with the question at issue.
I do not, indeed I dare not, deny a sense of feeling to insects; but,
I believe, I have never admitted it in the ' Zoologist : ■ a point on
which Mr. Wollaston has fallen into error. I said — " neither do I
deny that insects do not feel at all;" but Mr. Wollaston makes me
admit that they feel : which two expressions are not quite equivalent.
Not to deny any proposition simply implies that it may be true or
false ; that, in fact, I know nothing about it : but to admit a proposi-
tion implies that I have good reasons for believing it to be true. For
instance, I might not deny that the moon is made of green cheese,
v C
1578 Insects.
without admitting that it is, Daniel O'Rourke being the only person
of whom I have read who has had an opportunity of deciding this
point, and he, most provokingly, has left the world in ignorance of
that interesting fact.
I will, however, admit that insects can feel, because I have seen
quite sufficient to satisfy my mind on that point ; but, even then, I
cannot follow Mr. Wollaston to his conclusion in the following:
" Mr. Turner allows that insects feel, and yet he assumes that this
sensation is not produced by their being impaled. Now if the first
(allowance) be correct, the second (assumption) must be erroneous."
Why ? I had been speaking of pain, and in precise language I ought
to have written ' sensation of pain ' in this place ; but suppose ' sensa-
tion' to mean e feeling,' as Mr. Wollaston makes it, and my words will
be — " I allow that insects feel ; but I contend that this feeling is not
produced by their being impaled." Certainly not — for if insects pos-
sess the sense of feeling at all, they possess it before they are im-
paled ; and, therefore, it is not an error to say that it is not produced
by their being impaled. This, however, is rather puerile. I really
meant i sensation of pain.'
There is another instance which — from my language not being suf-
ficiently guarded — has afforded Mr. Wollaston a good deal of argu-
mentation, viz., where I said, " Impale an insect, and wait until it is
roused." My meaning would have been better expressed by saying,
"Impale an insect, and rouse it in the day-time;" but then we
should have lost Mr. Wollaston' s pleasantry.
I cannot see anything "unnatural, and therefore erroneous," in
supposing that an insect may feel pain under some circumstances and
not under others. And I may just mention, that those Nocture which
do not rouse when pierced through with a pin, are often easily roused,
from apparently less sufficient causes. If the antennae be moved by
a pin from their quiescent state, the moth will for the first time, per-
haps, merely withdraw them to their former position : if this be done
a second time, it will probably strike out its foot at the pin, and show
a little irritability ; and by repeating the process, it will become
thoroughly roused, though no wound has been inflicted. Again, if
the leg of a sleeping Noctua be pinched with a pair of forceps, it will
soon give evidence of feeling.
Let me now observe, that Mr. Guyon's bottle of steamed Coleop-
tera, and Mr. Wollaston's hot plate of insects of different orders,
however funny their antics may be, are beside the present question,
and belong to the general question of insect sensibility. Mesmerism
Insects. 1579
too, and hybernation, are equally irrelevant. Neither is the lady who
swallowed the pin a case in point, for I was glad to find that her pain
does not return at intervals, as it does to impaled moths, if struggles
imply pain.
Reject, then, these and other extraneous matter, and little will re-
main to be noticed beyond what I have already stated, viz., slow cir-
culation, diminished vital force, and analogy.
Now if, as I suppose, vital force means vitality, I must say that I
cannot admit that it is diminished during sleep ; because I do not con-
sider that an insect is less alive when asleep than when awake, though
there may be fewer signs of animation.
As to circulation during sleep, I am told by those who ought to
know that in the human frame there is a difference, but so little that
it is barely perceptible ; and therefore, in all probability, the difference
is not very great in insects.
I believe it is an established fact, that the circulation in insects is
slower than in man ; but I suppose it is pretty much the same for the
same order of insects — Lepidoptera for instance. If, then, this be
the cause of their remaining quiet when impaled, how is it that some
find out their unpleasant situation so much sooner than others ?
Analogy T purposely passed over, because I was not sure that the
manner in which pain is produced in man is analogous to that in in-
sects ; in fact, I thought it could not. Had I thought it is, I should
most assuredly have impaled Mr. John Smith, or some other luckless
wight, merely to confirm what I had arrived at from other con-
siderations.
I fully admit the analogy between the legs and eyes, because they
evidently have similar functions in both ; and if either man or insect
were deprived of legs, the power of walking would cease : so, also,
the loss of eyes in either would be attended with the loss of sight;
and probably, for I cannot speak positively, if a man were deprived of
half his nerves he would die in agony under the operation, and yet
there appear well-authenticated instances of insects losing the greater
part of what is called their nerves, without appearing to experience
any very great inconvenience.
To these I may add the following extraordinary case, which oc-
curred to myself last month. I found an example of Xylina Lambda,
which I took home, and pierced the underside of the thorax with a
quill, dipped in a solution of oxalic acid, as strong as it can be made.
This generally produces almost instant death, which I believed to be
the case in the present instance, for all the legs were drawn up, and
1580 Insects.
every appearance of life was gone. After a short time, five minutes
perhaps, — but I did not note the time, as I was not prepared for what
followed, — I removed the pin, in order to insert it underneath, pre-
paratory to removing the inside, as I find this species often becomes
greasy. The moth was perfectly motionless, and I thoroughly cleared
its body, and put into it some Fuller's earth to absorb any remaining
moisture ; during all which operations I did not perceive the least
movement in any part. I again took out the pin, that I might insert
it properly for stretching the insect, when to my utter astonishment
it walked across the table ! I do not require any one to believe this,
because I well remember, some years ago, withholding my belief from
a very similar circumstance related to me by a friend — and yet it is
true nevertheless.
If Mr. Wollaston will concede to me an analogy in the manner in
which pain is produced in man and insects, I will most readily avail
myself of it. First thanking him for warning me against denying the
existence of analogy, and assuring him that the reason why I did not
employ it in the case under consideration was, that I felt I might be
asked to show that there existed any analogy between the manner in
which pain is communicated in man and insects, which I was sure I
could not.
I was therefore particularly pleased to find Mr. John Smith impaled,
whilst asleep against a tree, by a large iron bar, because 1 thought
that if he were an ordinary sized person the iron bar in him would
bear a tolerably fair proportion to a pin in an ordinary sized Noctua.
In this predicament we are told that Mr. John Smith instantly awakes
and kicks vigorously ; and I have not the least doubt of it. Very
well : next suppose John recovered, and asleep again ; and, after
having procured a suitable bottle, put him into it, and then plunge
the bottle into hot water, and, my word for it, he will kick there too.
Now take a sleeping Noctua, and, without rousing or impaling it,
put it quietly into a bottle, and plunge the bottle into hot water, and
I know, from experience, that the insect will immediately awake, and
plunge about as vigorously, ceteris paribus, as John did. But this
insect was not impaled; therefore impale another sleeping Noctua,
and, fixing it on a piece of cork, put it into the bottle, and mark the
difference in time when the struggles of the two insects commence ;
and I imagine the difference will be inappreciable. It would be use-
less, after impaling, to bottle John, and subject him to the same pro-
cess as the impaled insect ; because we have seen that he would kick
before, and he could only kick afterwards.
Insects. 1581
So far, then, there does appear an analogy of feeling between man
and insect. But I find that the moth when impaled on the tree does
not struggle ; and therefore, if the analogy hold, I cannot for the life
of me see why John should kick so at being impaled — he must have
been shamming.
And it seems rather surprising that this did not occur to Mr.
Wollaston, but— I forget — there is the slow circulation. It is true
this circulation appeared quick enough when the impaled insect was
put into a bottle, and the bottle plunged into hot water ; but then we
may imagine that this was the result of an increased temperature.
Now, take any other of the Smith family, when asleep, and impale
him with an iron bar, and when he begins to kick release him ; and I
very much fear he will not at once quietly compose himself, as if
nothing had happened, which I find to be generally the case with im-
paled moths. Neither would he alternately suffer by day and be at
rest at night, as moths, mutatis mutandis, do if struggles indicate
pain.
Would it not then appear, either that the struggles of impaled
moths do not proceed from pain, or else that there is no analogy be-
tween the communication of pain in man and insects, and, conse-
quently, that the test is inapplicable ?
I feel an interest in collecting such Lepidoptera as fall in my way,
and try to learn something of their individual history ; but I am no
scientific entomologist, and know nothing of the discoveries that may
have been made in the nervous system of insects. With regard to
man, it is, I believe, an established fact that the nerves are the means
of communicating feeling ; but I am not aware that any such con-
nection has been satisfactorily traced between feeling and what are
called nerves in insects — but I speak under correction. Could any-
thing at all similar to what I have mentioned of Xylina Lambda have
occurred to Mr. John Smith or any of his family ? But —
" ne sic, ut qui jocularia, ridens
Percurram ; quanquam ridentem dicere verum
Quid vetat ? "
I will briefly state that I have endeavoured to consider the subject
impartially, and view it in a broad light: had I been captiously
inclined there was an ample field before me, but I am not, my sole
object being to state fairly the result of my observations, and discard
everything that appeared irrelevant, without the slightest wish to in-
fluence the judgment of any one, beyond what these observations may
seem to justify.
1582 Insects.
Trusting that Mr. Wollaston, if he reads these remarks, will receive
them with the same good humour as they have been written in, I take
my leave of the subject, just observing that had I foreseen that the
few remarks which I made on Mr. Dawson's note (Zool. 1240), with a
view to prevent what I believed an erroneous impression, would have
resulted in such a lengthy discussion, they never would have appeared
in the ' Zoologist.'
William Turner, M.A.
Uppingham, Dec. 10, 1846.
Thoughts on the Disputed Sensibility of Insects.
By H. N. Turner, Jun., Esq.
Before adding to the various observations which have appeared in
the ' Zoologist * on insect sensibility, I must observe that I wish to do
so on perfectly independent grounds ; in fact, I forwarded my first
communication towards the latter end of last month, and after reading
Mr. Wollaston's able article, in answer to the Rev. Wm. Turner, imme-
diately felt tempted to substitute a more explicit statement of my
hitherto unpublished ideas ; but as 1 feared lest I should be supposed
desirous of interfering with the controversy between the above-named
gentlemen, with neither of whom have I the honour of acquaintance,
it is not without considerable hesitation that I have done so.
Let us first of all endeavour, in our reflections on this extremely
difficult subject, to divest ourselves of all ideas founded solely on
those natural directions of our thoughts, which result only from our
bodily and habitual sensations : it is also necessary that we banish
from our minds the idea, that certain bodily indications, which fre-
quently accompany a sense of pain, cannot proceed from any other
source. Having done so, we find that we have no more reason for
supposing that insects feel, than we have for receiving any of such
prevailing popular notions as are held solely on account of their early
and unknown origin. We have, therefore, only for our guide, in the
attempted solution of the problem in question, the accurate observa-
tion of facts, and whatever clew physiological principles as yet give
us to the interpretation of their meaning. Sensation, as anatomical
investigation has shown, depends on the presence and disposition of
a soft substance termed neurine, whose chemical constitution ap-
proaches in some degree to that of fat, but which plays in the animal
Insects. 1583
body a most important part, being the sole communicating medium
between the various organs and the directing mind and instincts, con-
veying to the latter the indications of external bodies and forces, and
from it the commands by which every muscle acts in harmony for the
production of the different organic functions and voluntary movements.
I am here compelled to express my opinion, that in supposing neurine
and sensation to be absolutely inseparable, Mr. Wollaston has fallen
into a most unaccountable mistake. I would beg to refer him to the
works of the celebrated Sir Chas. Bell, whose discoveries, together
with those of Dr. Marshall Hall, on the reflex function, rank as the
most important in that very obscure branch of physiology. Sir C. Bell
discovered that no one simple nerve possesses more than one of the
many functions which neurine is capable of exercising ; that even a
nerve which conveys both power and sensation arises by a double
root, and therefore consists of two nerves rather than of one; more-
over, that one of these roots springs from a distinct tract of neurine
extended all down the spinal cord ; and that, by dividing one or other
of these roots, he could deprive that portion of the body to which the
nerve is distributed, either of motion or sensation ; also, that in some
parts, as in the face for example, the nerve which communicates
sensation has its origin far removed from that which gives the power
of motion to the same part of the body. This I think all must
acknowledge is a satisfactory proof that neurine and sensation are by
no means necessarily connected; indeed, although the latter pre-sup-
poses the existence of the former, the converse can no longer be main-
tained. Let us now consider more particularly what is implied by the
word sensation or bodily feeling: it appears to me that under this
term have been confounded a multitude of varied perceptions which
the animal body has of things external to it ; — the delicate sensation
in the skin, by which we recognise the presence and characters of an
object with which it is in contact ; the sensation of resistance felt when
a limb is moved through a dense medium, or pushed against a solid
which yields not to its action ; the pricking pain (existing only in the
skin), which is Nature's kind warning, lest the intrusion of a pointed
body should harm the organisms beneath; a blow which,*" though
scarcely felt on the softer flesh, when received on a projecting bone
thrills through it with agonizing pain ; the sensation of heat or cold,
alike perceived when the body causing it is applied to the outer skin,
or swallowed into the stomach; — all these perceptions, the different
warnings against varied dangers, have been grouped together under
the one comprehensive name of feeling. They are but few of the dif-
1584 Insects.
ferent sensations daily affecting us, and each in its own place neces-
sary for our safety and existence. Let us now reflect which of them
are most necessary to that of an insect, and whose presence is most
compatible with what we know of the structure of its parts. An in-
sect, enclosed in a horny case, does not need, and indeed could not
possess, that perception of pricking which exists in the higher soft-
skinned animals : such a sensation does not exist invariably even in
the human species, as the exit of many needles from various parts of
the body of a lady who had swallowed them, causing no pain until
they approached the surface, abundantly testifies. And further, is it
probable that an insect would be endowed with a sensation, rendering
it liable to a pain which for purposes of protection would be useless ?
Consider its internal structure ; there is no single central heart driving
the blood in closed vessels through insulated lungs, as the blood, after
being driven towards the head by the lengthened and many-parted
dorsal vessel, finds its way back through capacious venous sinuses,
which scarcely confine it, so that even the alimentary canal and se-
cerning organs float loosely in the ambient fluid ; and as the system
of respiratory organs is distributed in multiplied ramifications through-
out the entire body, there is not the slightest danger of that suffocation
which in higher animals must result from internal thoracic hcemorrhage ;
also from the constitution of the main trunk of the nervous system, of
two thin filaments connecting ganglia, which are protected by inward
processes of the envelope, but little danger can accrue to it. May we
not thus account for that total absence of injury from an impaling
pin, which so many experiments have testified ? And again, I ask, is
it probable that such a sensation as that of pricking would be imparted
to protect from an injury existing only in those imaginations of our
own, which I have at first suggested the propriety of shaking off?
But the insect must experience the feeling of resistance, or it cannot
know when it has the power of moving on its legs : this feeling is
probably most acute in the antennae, which it so frequently moves
about, to ascertain the presence of near objects ; and perhaps in those
where the antenna has at its end a soft substance, there may be also
a perception analogous to that delicate one existing in our finger-
ends. An extreme of heat or cold may cause an insect's death . this
sensation, confined to no part of the body, may also here exist, and
warn it of such a danger, thus causing the terrible anxiety manifested
when escape is rendered impossible. I have occasionally witnessed
this phenomenon, but never reflected on its probable cause, until the
enquiry suggested by Mr. Guyon's experiments (which 1 am happy to
Insects. 1585
find confirmed by Mr. Wollaston) met my eye. The oyster and the
zoophyte, though we cannot perceive them to have eyes, are sensible
to the influence of light; and Dr. Burmeister mentions, that some
blind pupa?, which habitually lie under ground, kick violently when
brought to the light : why, then, if we suppose insects to be deprived
of many sensations, should we deem them also devoid of the feeling
of heat ?
I hope, from my foregoing observations, I may not be suspected of
abiding too much by theories and speculations, but that it may be
perceived I have advanced them only to account for well-attested
facts ; and I may conclude by remarking, that whatever facts may yet
be observed, and whatever acumen be employed in their interpretation,
a strong probability is the utmost we can ever attain.
H. N. Turner.
1, Upper Belgrave Place, Pimlico,
16th December, 1846.
[As Editor, I beg to say that I think it now time that the protracted
discussion on the pain felt by an impaled insect should close. The
question is one of great interest, involving as it does the more
important one, " Are we guilty of cruelty in impaling a living insect ? "
A great deal of time and space has I think been lost through the ad-
mission of extraneous matter. The subject was introduced thus by
the Rev. J. F. Dawson : " In that box were a number of beetles, im-
paled alive on pins, writhing and struggling (I say) in agony." (Zool.
1240). The Rev. W. Turner, adhering closely to the question whether
these strugglings and writhings do proceed from agony, announces
that the conclusion at which he arrives is that they do not. (Zool.
1342). Now the proper way of pursuing the subject subsequently to
this, would have been to search out facts, showing the conduct of in-
sects when in a state, in which, by every relation of analogy, we may
imagine them to be suffering pain. I could mention excellent instances,
but the ( Zoologist ' supplies two sufficient ones. First, the conduct
of beetles in a hot bottle (Zool. 1526), and, secondly, the conduct of
all orders of insects on a hot plate (Zool. 1558). These are instances
to which the supporters of Mr. Dawson's view must assent, because
adduced by themselves ; and to which the opponents of Mr. Dawson's
view will assent, because confirming their opposition. Now, admit-
ting the actions in question to result from pain, every entomologist
knows that impaled insects exhibit no such actions : those who are
not entomologists may compare the conduct of insects, as described
v D
1586 Quadrupeds.
in the passages cited (Zool. 1526 and 1558), with that of impaled in-
sects as described by the Rev. Mr. Turner (Zool. 1342) and by myself
(Zool. 1525). The result must be, the conclusion that no tittle of evi-
dence has yet been adduced in support of the Rev. J. F. Dawson's
assertion, that impaled insects writhe and struggle in agony : indeed
all recorded facts furnish direct evidence against that assertion.
The discussion has not been without its advantage, for I find
that many of my correspondents who fully embraced the Rev. Mr.
Dawson's view, and felt acutely the pang which they supposed
themselves inflicting on insects, have now satisfied themselves that
those views, although originating in the purest feelings of humanity,
and therefore entitled to our highest respect, were nevertheless unsup-
ported by fact. I will conclude with a few appropriate words from
Herschell's c Preliminary Discourse.' — "Experience once recognised
as the fountain of all our knowledge of Nature, it follows that, in the
study of Nature and its laws, we ought at once to make up our minds
to dismiss as idle prejudices, or at least suspend as premature, any
pre-conceived notion of what might, or what ought to be, the order of
Nature in any proposed case, and content ourselves with observing, as
a plain matter of fact, what IS." — p. 79. Edward Newman.]
Notes on the Lemur Catta or Ring-tailed Lemur.
By Geo. A. Thrupp, Esq.
This little animal, a native of Madagascar, and called there makkak
or mococco, came into my possession in last October (1846). It was
bought at the Cape for twenty-six shillings, being considered, even
there, rare and valuable. It used to run about the ship in which it
came to England with two others of the same species, and was fed
principally on ship's biscuit, well soaked in water and sweetened with
sugar. It drank a great quantity of water, and would not eat much
at once. At night the lemurs usually slept curled up together, or in
the sailor's hammocks. They would wake early, and run to greet the
sunrise, sitting one behind the other, with their arms extended widely
to catch all the warmth of the sun. In playing among themselves,
they would fight sitting on their haunches, and cuffing with their fore
pawrs like the kangaroos. The lemurs are powerful for their size, and
my specimen, once seeing a half-grown cat sleeping in a boat along-
Quadrupeds. 1 58 7
side, caught it up by the nape of the neck, ran up the side, holding it
at arm's length, and threw poor puss, in spite of her struggles, down
the hatchway. When in my possession, I took the lemur to the inn,
and left him tied to the bed-post, but in the evening the chamber-maid
came down much frightened, declaring there was something black in
the room, sitting on the bed like a Christian, chattering at her. Now
I have him at home, his usual position is on his hocks, like a squirrel,
with the tail curled round in front and over the left shoulder, the head
sunk; but when before the fire, it will stand on its feet, with his tail
stretched out behind or up, squirrel-fashion and S- shaped, or he sits
on the edge of the fender with his legs out (like a man on a chair),
his arms spread, and his little head moving restlessly about : the first
day or two, indeed, he was so taken up with looking at the new objects
around him, that he frequently over-balanced himself and fell off his
seat. He eats dry bread (holding a slice in one hand, and biting off
a small piece at a time), biscuit well soaked, fruits of all kinds, cooked,
raw, or dried, cooked fish and meat ; the latter, however, but rarely.
I am told that he will catch mice very well, but I have not had the
opportunity of trying him. He also eats the seeds, fruit, flowers and
leaves of fuchsias, geraniums, marygolds, and other plants, and will
drink sometimes a pint of water per day. When out in the park,
where I occasionally take him, he enjoys himself greatly, bounding
often only on his hind legs over the grass, or cantering along the
paths, stopping to eat the shell gravel lately laid down there. When
loose, my lemur rushes round the room, leaping from picture to picture
very rapidly, and climbs the doors and architraves by placing his
hands one on each side and jerking up : the noise made by this re-
sembles that -occasioned by the use of new India-rubber on paper.
He will hang by his fore paws, and move along the top of the door :
in fact, all his actions and movements resemble those of the squirrel
and monkey, but without the spiteful and mischievous propensities of
the latter animal. This lemur never scratches or bites. He will
chatter peevishly, like a squirrel, when teased, but his note of satisfaction
is a low grunt, increasing in sound when in rapid motion ; occasion-
ally, though rarely, he will mew until he makes himself hoarse. This
little animal is very fond of being caressed and combed, and will run
to his friends, and hold out his arms to be taken up and nursed, when
he will lie quietly in the lap, or under the coat, and cling tightly if
any one attempt to remove him. He is very inquisitive, and will watch
for the cupboard's opening, to run in, and try and steal gingerbread
and sugar, and if the keys are left in he will pull at them to open it.
1588 Quadrupeds.
He is not at all of civilized or cleanly habits, however, which is his
only failing, and he therefore requires constant watching to be an
agreeable parlour companion, and I have hitherto failed to instil
better manners into him ; any chastisement only makes him peevish
and shy. He is fond of licking himself, or the face and hands of
those that caress him, — well-cleaned boots and coals have also a great
attraction for his little rough tongue, — and, aided by his lower front
teeth, he soon licks away the skin. One unlucky midshipman, who
lay down (without tying him up) in the berth, had the skin taken off
his nose and part of his forehead by the lemur's mode of showing at-
tachment. In size he is about as large as a small cat, but his hind
legs and tail much larger: the length of his tail is 21^ inches; from
the tip of his nose to the root of his tail 15 J inches ; girth of barrel
10|- inches; length from inside of armpit to tip of fingers 8j inches;
length of legs, from fork to end of toes, 12j inches. The colour of
the fur on the back, sides, and outside of legs and arms, is brownish-
gray, blending into iron-grey on the neck and crown of the head : this
fur grows very thick and long on a gray-blue skin, each hair being the
same colour at the root, brown in the middle, white and black at the
tip. The fur on the throat, face, cheeks, ears, belly, and inside of the
legs, is dirty -white, and long but thin. Round the eyes is a dark gray
circle of fur ; the muzzle, palate and lips are black ; the tongue red.
The tail is ringed, black and dirty-white, and is not prehensile. The
fingers and thumbs are long and well padded, with nails to all but the
fingers of the feet, which have short claws like a cat ; these, the palms
of the hands, and part of the wrists, are black, and have the appear-
ance of velvet. There are four front teeth in the upper, and six in the
lower jaw, four canines, and twelve grinders. The eyes bright hazel
and prominent, with a small pupil, not contracting. My specimen is
evidently young, as an adult at the Zoological Gardens is a third
larger, and has less brown about the fur, and the parts here described
as dirty-white are in it snow-white. The brown and black lemurs are
still larger than Lemur Catta.
Geo. A. Thrupp.
1, Hyde Park Place, West,
Nov. 25th, 1846.
Quadrupeds. 1589
On the discovery of the Bones of Extinct Deer, fyc. at Lough Gur,
in the county of Limerick. By Richard Glennon, Esq.
Being a constant reader of the ' Zoologist,' and rinding in it so
many curious and interesting communications on various branches of
Natural History, I am induced to trouble you with a few facts that
have lately come under my notice. Having occasion a short time
since to visit Limerick, in company with my friend, Mr. Nolan, we
embraced the opportunity which the journey afforded us, of searching
for the remains of that most interesting animal which has been
so often misnamed the " fossil " or antediluvian deer of Ireland, and
the particulars which resulted from our labours, and which I am about
to detail, will, I trust, throw more light on the period of its existence
than anything previously published on this interesting subject, and
will thoroughly establish the fact of its having been slaughtered by
man for his use and food. The history of this remarkable animal has
hitherto been taken only from the hear-say of common labourers, who
on finding the bones, threw them indiscriminately in a heap on the
nearest bank ; and as they were always found mixed with the bones of
other animals, as the red-deer, and cattle of various breeds and sizes,
it can scarcely be wondered at that so many errors have occurred in
selecting bones to complete the skeletons supplied to various public
institutions. I have learned that the skeleton of a cow was made up
from a heap of these bones, and sold to a public body in London as
that of the female giant-deer, and the mistake was eventually detected
by a talented officer of the institution.
We searched and dug wherever the slightest trace of information
respecting the presence of bones could be obtained, and in one
instance, our efforts were attended with the most eminent success.
We found the bones of five varieties of the cow or ox, five of the deer,
two of the goat, and two of the hog or pig, together with those of the
hare or rabbit, swan, goose, duck, turkey, and of several game birds.
The tusks of the boar were so numerous that they might be shovelled
up like gravel in a gravel -pit.
The skulls of all the large animals were broken in by some sharp
and heavy instrument, and in the same manner as butchers of the
present day slaughter cattle for our markets, and in many instances
the marrow-bones were broken across, as if to get at the marrow.
Such was the enormous quantity of these bones, that the country
1590^ Quadrupeds.
people have carted them to Limerick for shipment to Liverpool and
London to be ground for manure.
But before proceeding with my account, it may be as well to give
a description of the locality in which this extraordinary deposit of
bones was found. About ten miles from Limerick, and two from
Bruff, on the mail-coach road to Cork, is a small lake called Lough
Giir, a long, narrow, winding sheet of water, and having in the middle
an island, which, in my opinion, must have been used as a cooking-
kitchen or slaughtering place for an army, for the skulls and bones of
the animals above-mentioned were found in the water all round the
island, so that one would think the cattle of an entire nation must have
been slaughtered to produce so vast an assemblage : and I should
add in this place, that the Count de Salis, the lord of the soil, informs
me that he has in his possession many swords, spear-heads, and a
brass dish also found on the island.
The lake is surrounded by castellated mountain limestone of
a whitish colour, which being bare of vegetation, has, at a distance,
something the appearance of a ruined city, and must have been origin-
ally very difficult of access. Some time ago Count de Salis sunk a
canal in connection with the lake ; this had the effect of lowering the
water many feet, and of greatly reducing the size of the lake, both in
length and breadth : it was thus that the bones around the island
were rendered visible to the Count's tenants, who carted them in vast
quantities to Limerick, as I have already mentioned, and at the pre-
sent time none can be obtained without dredging. By this lowering
of the water of the lake, a fine hard black turf was exposed, and this
has afforded excellent fuel to the tenartry in the neighbourhood.
I will now endeavour to describe the skulls of the different animals,
as wrell as I am able in the absence of collections in our public insti-
tutions to which I can refer : and wrill begin with those of the giant
deer, which have stamped on their frontal bones the obvious evidence
of man's destructive hands. These heads agree in every particular
with those of the male except in the want of horns, the puffed out
lower portion of the face and the base of the skull near the occiput :
every inequality on the skull caused by the presence of veins or arte-
ries, or by the attachment of muscles is precisely the same in male
and female. The second species is a much smaller deer, and the skull
differs from that of the giant deer, in being more elongate and nar-
rower, and in wanting the puffed appearance of the face : the base of
the skull and occiput also differ. The third species is the red deer,
Quadrupeds . 1591
or crowned stag. The fourth species has eight or nine sharp
and very long tynes, but not crowned. The fifth is the fallow deer,
varying very remarkably in size. The skulls of cows or oxen were
of five kinds. First, with a very broad square face quite flat and al-
most smooth, and much larger than that of any ox of the present day :
one of our professors here considers this the skull of the Urus, but I
think that animal has never reached Ireland, and therefore, in the ab-
sence of the necessary means of comparison, we must distinguish it by
the name of the " flat-faced ox.1' The second in size is large
and strong and has the face concave, and the skull crowned by a
projection between the horns : the slugs on the bony elongations of
the skull are long and spreading. The third has the skull very
smooth and very different in texture from the two already described :
it is also deeper from the under jaw to the face than either of
the others : the frontal bone is very long, and is rounded at the sides :
this animal must have had a remarkably long face. I must observe
that the skulls of all these three are much longer than those of any
oxen we now possess ; and I may observe, the bony peduncles of the
horns are not in any instance directed backwards as in the buffalo,
but invariably take the same direction as in our recent oxen. The
fourth is a long-faced kind, with small thin horns, curling inwards.
The fifth is what might be called the short-horned breed, and ap-
pears identical with that which we are now importing from England ;
but these skulls furnish sufficient proof that this breed was originally
Irish. The skulls of goats resemble those of the common species, ex-
cept that the horns have a greater inclination backwards like those of
antelopes. The skulls of hogs or pigs are very different from those
of our domesticated swine : one skull in particular has a snout or
face more like that of an alligator, being very long, and the space be-
tween the teeth on the palate of the mouth not exceeding an inch and
a half,* although the bone from the angle of the eye to the extremity
of the nose, is nine inches in length. It is worthy of remark, that all
the tusks we met with were nearly of the same size, so that it would
appear that the pigs were all brought to be slaughtered at nearly the
same age.
Now, I consider the discovery of the fractured skulls of the giant
deer, under the circumstances above described, to be the most con-
* I may perhaps be allowed to state that this character does not exhibit any simi-
larity to that of the alligator, although immediately following the comparison, it seems
thus intended. — Ed.
1592 Quadrupeds.
vincing proof ever laid before the British public, that this splendid
animal was domesticated by man for his use and food, and was
driven by him in company with herds of other cattle to a common
slaughter-house, otherwise how came these skulls mixed up with those
of other cattle, evidently brought together to be slaughtered in the
way now adopted.
On showing the handles of knives made of the horns of the fallow-
deer, several gouge and chisel-shaped instruments, and also broken
earthen vessels, to Captain Croker of Ballinagar, he told us that he
had seen spear-heads, swords, and other instruments, found in the
ruins of forts and castles near his residence ; and Captain Roberts of
Sallymount, in the county Kildare, informed us that he has in his
estate several of those mounds which, in this country, are called Danish
forts or raths ; and that last summer, when removing the earth from
one of these which is larger than the rest, and has a covered way to
it, he found many bones and skulls of the giant deer, together with
broken horns of the same animal, and the skull of a man, with a hole
in it something resembling holes made by a musket-ball.* Near Cap-
tain Robert's residence are many holes, like small sand-pits or quar-
ries, and into these, the bones and horns of the giant deer had been
promiscuously thrown : I have seen specimens taken out of these
holes, within two hundred yards of the Captain's residence. I will
also add, that Major Thomas Walker, of the county Wexford, a gen-
tleman of first-rate talent, and an indefatigable naturalist, has
obligingly handed me the following memorandum. " A portion of the
leg of the Irish giant deer, dug up in his own estate, is in the pos-
session of H. Grogan Morgan, Esq., of Johnstown Castle, county
Wexford, with a portion of the tendon, and skin with hair upon it : it
was exhibited some time ago by Mr. Peel at his veterinary lectures in
Dublin."— Thos. Walker.
In Pepper's History of Ireland, in which the battle-grounds of the
contending kings and warlike chieftains, together with the number of
cattle taken by one marauder from another, are faithfully chronicled ;
Lough Gur is particularly noticed.
In a country like Ireland, cut up as it then was by internal warfare,
and by the frequent visits of the Danes, it does not seem wonderful
that so large and ponderous an animal as the giant deer should
entirely disappear and become extinct. From its large bulk it could
not elude the marauder or the hunter.
* This similarity must be accidental. — Ed.
Quadrupeds. 1593
I may add that the water of Lough Gur is supplied by rain or land
springs, and that there is no stream passing through it : also that we
found several of the heads of this magnificient deer lying on the bare
rock and only covered by the clear waters of the lake : several com-
mon species of freshwater snails were attached to the skulls and
horns.
As it is concluded to dredge the lake when the weather is favor-
able, I have determined to give you further information should any-
thing worthy of recording in your excellent journal result from our
lab6urs.
Richard Glennon.
3, Suffolk Street, Dublin,
Nov. 16th, 1846.
Discovery of the Bones of Deer and Cattle in Lough Gur.*
The connection of science, more particularly, geological science,
with the theory and practice of agriculture, is now too generally ad-
mitted and appreciated, to render it necessary for us to apologise for
bringing the following facts under the notice of our readers ; facts,
also, we may add, which possess still stronger claims upon our atten-
tion, inasmuch as they involve questions relative to the origin and his-
tory of several of our most esteemed breeds of cattle, as well as to the
date at which the sheep was first introduced into this island. These are,
be it remembered, not mere matters of speculation. The facts we are
able to lay before you are clear and decisive, so much so that correct
inductions necessarily follow.
At the time when the last cattle show was held at Limerick, two of
our fellow-citizens, Messrs. Nolan, of Bachelor's-walk, and Glennon,
of Suffolk-street, proceeded thither, for the purpose of becoming ex-
hibitors ; the former of his magnificient collection of foreign poultry,
and the latter of his beautiful cases of stuffed birds. Of their success
we need not now speak, as we, at the time, had the pleasure of record-
ing their signal triumph in the pages of the Gazette.
Near Limerick there is a moderate sized lake, called Lough Gur,
having an island in the middle. Our travellers having received infor-
* We extract this from the 'Farmer's Gazette': it is written by another eye-
witness, and is therefore interesting.
V E
1594 Quadrupeds.
mation, that in this lake had been found many fossil remains, and, as
we need scarcely remark, this being their favourite pursuit, proceeded,
after the termination of the show, to inspect the spot. We may-
also observe that we had the pleasure of accompanying them.
We exhumed various skulls and bones, among which we may men-
tion those of oxen, pigs, goats, the red deer, and the extinct Irish gi-
gantic deer ; and, we believe, for the first time in Ireland, the rein-
deer, &c, but found none of sheep — a singular fact, and going, we are
of opinion, far towards furnishing an inference, that, at the period
when those deposits were formed, the sheep had not as yet become
one of our domestic animals. The quantity of the remains of goals
deserves attention, the name of the lake " Lough Gur " (or Gour), sig-
nifying, in Irish, " Lake of the Goats."
Among the heads of oxen, some were chiefly remarkable on account
of their prodigious size, others on account of their singularity of for-
mation, but that which more immediately interested us was, that we
found several skulls of a short-horned breed of cattle, similar, in size
and form, to those animals which are now so highly prized among us,
on account of their superiority over other varieties, but which we
are compelled to resort to England in order to obtain.
Here, then, in this vast depository of bones, we discover sufficient
evidence to prove that we, in olden time, possessed the true short-
horned variety of cattle, if we can judge by the skeleton heads, which
we are now compelled to import from the sister country ; and we are
almost authorized to infer, that it was to Ireland that England her-
self was originally indebted for the stock from which the "pure"
short-horns are descended. Most of these skulls were fractured on
the frontal bone, evidently with some blunt instrument, showing that
they had been felled and slaughtered for human use, and also that, in
the days of old, butchers followed pretty much the same mode of
slaughtering that they do now. The discovery of these remains de-
monstrates another and a particularly interesting fact, viz., that the
Irish giant deer, sometimes improperly termed the Irish elk, was co-
existent with these short-horned cattle, was itself a domesticated ani-
mal, and was itself killed for human use ; for we have to add the ex-
traordinary fact that, amongst other fragments, we found the remains
of several giant deer, and, amongst others, two female skulls fractured
on the frontals in precisely the same manner as those of the cattle.
We have the more pleasure in mentioning this fact from the circum-
stance that it confirms, in the most unanswerable manner, the posi-
Quadrupeds. 1595
lions advanced in Mr. Richardson's clever pamphlet* on the fossil
deer — positions in which Mr. Richardson stood alone at the time of
their publication, and had to endure the opposition of some of the
most celebrated savans of the day. Amongst others we may mention
Professor Owen,f of London, who maintained that not only was the
giant deer not contemporary with man, but that he was created some
thousands of years prior to the existence of man upon the surface of
this globe. Mr. Richardson published his pamphlet in reply to the
views advocated by Professor Owen, and whatever doubt might then
have existed, as to which side the truth lay upon, we think that this
remarkable discovery is amply sufficient to establish the correctness
of Mr. Richardson's views, and to set this disputed question at rest
perhaps for ever. We confess that we rejoice at this, for Mr.
Richardson is not only our fellow-conntryman and personal friend,
but an esteemed contributor to our pages, on topics connected with
the zoology of the farm. While upon this subject, we think it not
irrevelent to adduce one or two facts that have been communicated to,
or have fallen under our own observation, and still further confirma-
tory of the correctness of Mr. Richardson's views. One of the most
extraordinary of these facts is, that some years ago, a portion of the
leg of an Irish giant deer, with a part of the tendons, skin, and hair
upon it, was exhumed, with other remains, from a deposit on the es-
tate of H. Grogan Morgan, Esq., of Johnstown Castle, county Wex-
ford, and is now in that gentleman's possession. This leg was lec-
tured upon at the time by Mr. Peile, veterinary surgeon, in Dublin.
This is a most important fact, and we wonder that it has escaped Mr.
Richardson's attention, for he has not noticed it in his pamphlet.
We regret to have to add that the above singular and most interest-
ing fragments have been suffered to leave this country — their legiti-
mate and proper position — Mr. Nolan having just left Ireland with
them for London, their destination being the British Museum.
* Facts concerning the Irish Giant Deer, oy H. D. Richardson. Dunlin :
M'Glashan, 1846.
f On the British Fossil Mammalia. London : Van Voorst, 1846.
1596 Birds.
Notice of ' Short Sketches of the Wild Sports and Natural History
of the Highlands. From the Journals of Charles St. John, Esq.11
London : Murray, Albemarle Street. 1846.
Much after the manner of White's Selbourne, but written in a very
different locality, Mr. St. John's work is one of the best we have met
with, and therefore it is a very pleasing duty to introduce it in this
notice to the readers of the ' Zoologist,' as one by which they must be
interested and instructed. Although evidently a keen sportsman, yet
the author has a keen eye for Nature. He has observed her in the
plains of Wiltshire, and in the loftiest peaks and deepest glens that
the Grampians of Scotland present. He has observed correctly, and
recorded graphically. This volume causes only one subject of regret:
it makes one reflect how many valuable facts, what a vast amount of
information, might have been collected by those — and they are many
— who have had as good or better opportunities than even Mr. St.
John. How much have we thus lost, and are daily losing ! Were
one-tenth of the gentlemen who annually flock to the Highlands of
Scotland, as the twelfth of August approaches, imbued with but a por-
tion of Mr. St. John's taste, the natural history of that vast mountain
range would have been far better known than it now is. The Gram-
pians would no longer have been a terra incognita. This, perhaps,
is rather a harsh or hasty conclusion. There may be others who have
observed and recorded as accurately and fully as Mr. St. John, but
whose manuscripts have not yet been laid before the public. If so,
we hope his example will be followed by all who have collected, or
who have an opportunity of making observations illustrative of the
habits of the animals that are found in the " Highlands." No doubt
many a sportsman could detail facts coming within his own experi-
ence, but the number of which prevents his adventuring upon a volume.
For such, the pages of the i Zoologist ' supply the fittest medium for
their being brought to the light ; and it is to be hoped that a rich
harvest of this nature is in store for it. It is the first three classes of
the animal kingdom that Mr. St. John's work chiefly dwells on. As it
is most in keeping with the plan adopted by the * Zoologist,' selections
will be made and given under these heads, to which, in the present
and after numbers, the attention of its readers is directed. The
opening page runs as follows, descriptive of the localities he has been
in, and his turn for such studies. — " I have lived for several years in
the northern counties of Scotland, and during the last four or five, in
the province of Moray, a part of the country peculiarly adapted for
Birds. 1597
collecting facts in Natural History, and for becoming intimate with
the habits of many of our wild birds and quadrupeds. From my ear-
liest childhood I have been more addicted to the investigation of the
habits and manners of every kind of living animal than to any more
useful avocation, and have, in consequence, made myself tolerably
well acquainted with the domestic economy of most of our Britsh
ferce naturce, from the field-mouse and wheat- ear, which I stalked and
trapped in the plains and downs of Wiltshire during my boyhoood,
to the red deer and eagle, whose territory I have invaded in later years
on the mountains of Scotland. My present abode in Morayshire is
surrounded by as great a variety of beautiful scenery as can be found
in any district of Britain ; and no part of the country can produce a
greater variety of objects of interest, either to the naturalist or to the
lover of the picturesque." Then follows an account of " the rapid and
glorious Findhorn, the very perfection of a Highland river," — the
forest of Darnaway, — the bay of Kinloss, " always a great resort of
water-fowl of all kinds from the swan to the teal, and also of innu-
merable waders of every species," — " that most extraordinary and pe-
culiar range of country called the Sand-hills of Moray, formed of the
purest sand, with scarcely any herbage, excepting here and there
patches of bent or broom, which are inhabited by hares, rabbits, and
foxes," — " the fertile plains of Moray," — " the wide extending woods
of Altyre, abounding with roe and game," — and " the extensive range
of the most excellent grouse-shooting country which reaches as far as
the Spey. On the whole, I do not know so varied or interesting a
district in Britain, or one so well adapted to the amusement and in-
struction of a naturalist or sportsman. In the space of a morning's
walk, you may either be in the most fertile, or in the most barren spot
of the country. In my own garden every kind of wall-fruit ripens to
perfection, and yet at the distance of only two hours' walk you may
be either in the midst of heather and grouse, or in the sandy deserts
beyond the bay, where one wonders how even the rabbits can find
their living."
Mr. St. John lives in a Scottish Walton-hall. He has delight in
collecting round him " all living animals, and watching their habits
and instincts ; my abode is in short a miniature menagerie. My dogs
learn to respect the persons of domesticated wild animals of all kinds,
and my pointers live in amity with tame partridges and pheasants, and
my terriers and beagles strike up friendship with the animals of dif-
ferent kinds whose capture they have assisted in, and with whose
relatives they are ready to wage war to the death."
1598 Birds.
The following extracts relating to birds will we feel confident be
read with pleasure.
Black-cock. — " In some places, apparently Well adapted for these
birds, ihey will never increase, although left undisturbed and pro-
tected, some cause or other preventing their breeding. Where they
take well to a place they increase very rapidly.
Wood-pigeons. — " An agricultural friend of mine near this place,
who had yielded with a tolerably good grace to my arguments in fa-
vour of the rook, pointed out to me the other day (March 6th) an im-
mense flock of wood-pigeons busily at work on a field of young clover,
which had been under barley the last season. * There,' he said, 'you
constantly say that every bird does more good than harm ; what good
are those birds doing to my young clover ? " On this, in furtherance
of my favourite axiom that every animal is of some service to us, I de-
termined to shoot some of the wood-pigeons, that I might see what
they were actually feeding on, for I did not at all fall into my friend's
idea that they were grazing on his clover. By watching their flight
from the field to the woods, and sending a man round to drive them
off the clover, I managed to kill eight of the birds as they flew over
my head. I took them to his house, and we opened their crops to see
what they contained. Every pigeon's crop was as full as it could
possibly be of the seeds of two of the worst weeds in the country, the
wild mustard and the ragweed, which they had found remaining on
the surface of the ground, these plants ripening and dropping their
seeds before the corn is cut. Now no amount of human labour and
search could have collected, on the same ground, at that time of the
year, as much of these seeds as was consumed by each of these five
or six hundred wood-pigeons daily, for two or three weeks together."
—p. 118.
Turtle-dove, fyc. — " Though the turtle-dove never breeds here (Pro-
vince of Moray), and is supposed never to visit this part of the
country, I have twice seen a pair about my house, both times towards
the end of autumn. Last year a pair remained for about three weeks
here, from the middle of October to the beginning of November, when
they disappeared ; probably returning southwards, not being nearly
so hardy a bird as the wood-pigeon. Besides the wood-pigeon, we
have considerable numbers of the little blue rock-pigeon, breeding
along the caves and rocks of the coast, and feeding inland in large
flocks. On the opposite coast of Rosshire and Cromarty, very great
numbers are found during the whole year.'* — p. 121.
Half-bred Wild Ducks. — " Some few years back I brought home
Birds. 1599
three young wild ducks ; two of them turned out to be drakes. I sent
away my tame drakes, and, in consequence, the next season had a
large family of half-bred and whole wild ducks, as the tame and wild
bred freely together. . The wild ducks which have been caught are the
tamest of all ; throwing off all their natural shyness, they follow their
feeder, and will eat corn out of the hand of any person with whom they
are acquainted. The half-breds are sometimes pinioned, as they are
inclined to fly away for the purpose of making their nests at a dis-
tance : at other times they never attempt to leave the field in front of
the house."— p. 129.
Long-tailed Duck (Anas glacialis). — " There is a very pretty and
elegant little duck, which is common on our coast — the long-tailed
duck (Anas glacialis). Its movements and actions are peculiarly
graceful and amusing, while its musical cry is quite unlike that of
any other bird, unless a slight resemblance to the trumpeting of the
wild swan may be traced in it. Lying concealed on the shore, I have
often watched these birds as they swim along in small companies
within twenty yards of me ; the drake, with his gay plumage, playing
quaint antics around the more sad-coloured female — sometimes jerking
himself half out of the water, at other times diving under her, and
coming up on the other side. Sometimes, by a common impulse, they
all set off swimming in a circle after each other with great rapidity, and
uttering their curious cry, which is peculiarly wild and pleasing. While
feeding these birds dive constantly, remaining under water for a con-
siderable time. Turning up their tails, they dip under with a curious
kind of motion, one after the other, till the whole flock is under water.
They are not nearly so wild or shy as many other kinds of wild-fowl,
and are easily shot, though if only winged it is almost impossible to
catch them, even with the best retriever, so quickly do they dive.
They swim in with the flowing tide, frequently following the course of
the water to some little distance from the mouth of the river. When
I see them in the heavy surf on the main shore, they seem quite at
their ease, floating high in the water, and diving into the midst of the
wildest waves. When put up they seldom fly far, keeping low, and
suddenly dropping into the water again, where they seem more at
their ease than in the air. When T have shot one of these birds, its
mate (whether the duck or the drake is the survivor) returns frequently
to the spot, flying round and round, and uttering a plaintive call." —
p. 130.
" The Golden-eye (Anas clangula), and the morillon, are common
about the river and burns. I have often heard it argued that these
1600 Birds.
two birds are merely the same species in different degrees of maturity ;
but I do not consider that there is the least doubt as to their being
quite distinct. I have frequently shot what I suppose to be the young
golden-eye not arrived at its full plumage ; but in these the white spot
at the corner of the mouth is more or less visible. The birds are larger
than the morillon, besides which the golden-eye, in whatever stage of
maturity it is found, always makes that peculiar noise with its wings,
when flying, which is not heard in the flight of the morillon, or of any
other kind of duck. I remember, too, once watching a pair of moril-
lons in a Highland loch, late in the spring : they had evidently paired,
and were come to the age of maturity, and ready for breeding.
" The golden-eye dives well, remaining a considerable time under
water seeking its food, which consists of small shell-fish which it finds
at the bottom. The morillon frequents the same places as the gol-
den eye, but always remains singly or in pairs, whereas the latter
birds frequently unite in small flocks, particularly when they take to
the inland lochs, which they do at the commencement of the spring."
—p. 131.
Wild Geese. — " The first wild geese that we see here (Morayshire)
are not the common gray goose, but the white-fronted, or laughing
goose, [Anas albifrons), called by Buffon VOye Heme. This bird has
a peculiarly harsh and wild cry, whence its name. It differs in ano-
ther respect also from the common gray goose, in preferring clover
and green wheat to corn for its food. Indeed, this bird appears to
me to be wholly graminivorous. Unlike the gray goose too, it roosts,
when undisturbed in any grass-field where it may have been feeding
in the afternoon instead of taking to the bay every night for its sleep-
ing quarters. The laughing goose also never appears here in
large flocks, but in small companies of from eight or nine to twenty
birds.
" Though very watchful at all times, they are more easily ap-
proached than the gray goose, and often feed on ground that admits
of stalking them. I see them occasionally feeding in small swamps
and patches of grass surrounded by high banks, furze, or trees. The
gray goose appears to select the most open and extensive fields in the
country to feed in, always avoiding any bank or hedge that may con-
ceal a foe." — p. 151.
We shall probably at an early elate return to Mr. St. John's amus-
ing and instructive work.
Birds. 1601
Notice of ornithological occurrences in Norfolk, for December, 1846. — A specimen
of the nuthatch, perfectly white, was killed at Lyng, near Reepham, early in this
month. Several instances have come to our knowledge of the occurrence of the quail
in various parts of the county. Amongst them we may refer to examples taken at
Reedham, on the 11th inst. ; at Bawburgh, on the 14th ; near Loddon, (male and
female) on the 19th ; and near Norwich, on the 23rd. The Norfolk plover, we are in-
formed, was also taken about the 15th inst. at Ludham. The occurrence of these
species, especially of the last, is unusual at this season of the year. A moorhen, ex-
hibiting a singular monstrosity in each foot, was killed near Pulham, about the 26th
inst. Each of the hind toes of this bird possesses a second claw, which, on the right
foot merely springs from about the middle of the true toe, but in the left, is attached
to a second toe, which proceeds from the original one, about half-way from its junction
with the tarsus. The supplemental toe and claws are in each case attached to the
outside of the true hind toe. Monstrosities of this kind though comparatively common
amongst domesticated animals, seldom occur in those which are in a wild state, and
it may be remarked as bearing upon the present case, that (although the bird in ques-
tion appears to have been wild) the moorhen is a species easily domesticated, and
which requires little encouragement to induce it to approach the habitations of man.
More than one specimen of the little grebe was taken about the 14th inst in the
streets of Norwich, and on the 23rd, a gentleman who was passing about 11 o'clock at
night along the street, was surprised by a bird of this species suddenly striking against
the wall near a gas-lamp which was above him, and immediately afterwards falling
upon his head. The bird was picked up, but died on the following day. The lamp
to which it appeared to have directed its course, is fixed to a wall facing the south-
east, from which quarter a sharp gale was blowing at the time. That uncertain
visiter, the little auk, has also been taken in numerous instances ; at Sculthorpe on the
3rd inst. ; at Norwich on the 5th ; at Horsey on the 7th; at Cromer and Stratton
Strawless on the 17th ; and at Salthouse and Fakenham on the 18th and 19th; with
several others. It may be observed, that several of these places are at some distance
from the sea ; and it is curious that all the specimens which we have had an oppor-
tunity of examining, are at this early period assuming the mottled appearance on the
throat, which indicates the approach of the black plumage of the breeding season. We
are also informed, that the Iceland gull in adult plumage, was taken about the 19th of
the month. — J.H. Gurney ; William R. Fisher ; S\st December, 1846.
Some account of a Tame Partridge. — The following account of a very extraordinary
pet, a tame partridge, will be interesting to readers of the ' Zoologist.' I was not
myself acquainted with the bird, but heard of it, I think during its life, from very in-
timate friends of its mistress, whose brief notice below, of its habits and peculiarities,
mentions, I have reason to believe, but a portion only of those amusing traits by which
it was distinguished. — " On the 5th July, 1839, 1 received a small hamper, containing
a parcel of cotton wool, in the midst of which was a young partridge, about a day old.
The little wild thing could not be induced to eat, so I was obliged to feed it with
boiled rice. I never expected to bring it up, having always heard that to handle a
partridge was a sure way to destroy it ; but there is no rule without an exception, and
this little creature was hardly ever out of my hands. It soon became quite tame, and
whenever I put my hands together before it, it would creep in, and go to sleep very
well contented. Warmth being indispensable, I used to pin it up in fleecy-hosiery
for the night, and in the morning fed it quite early, leaving it to sleep again. Rice,
V F
1602 Reptiles.
bread, and ants' eggs were its food, upon which it thrived. It soon showed it liked to
be always with me, and was perfectly happy in my lap ; or when I have been painting,
it would sit on my left arm, dressing itself, or sleeping in entire security. When it
outgrew the flannel and I could no longer leave it pinned up, I used to take it into my
mother's room, and if it could lie on her gown at her feet, it was contented, but was always
on the watch for my coming back, and on seeing me, would jump up, and run to meet
me. It was now so tame and pleased with being fondled, as to excite much astonish-
ment. My mother soon beeame very fond of it, and by degrees it was more with her
than with me. Its cage was never inhabited ; it would never sleep in confinement,
therefore was awake, and quite alive all the evening, being either in lap or on the sofa.
When he had changed his feathers, and attained his full plumage, he refused to be
handled, but his habits were just as sociable as before. His knowledge of every one
was most extraordinary ; his likings, and dislikings were very strong ; and he was so
curious and observant, that no piece of furniture could be moved without his finding
it out, and if the carpet was not smooth, he would set to work instantly to render it so,
by scratching and pecking. He was very fond of gay colours, and no new gown or
cap could be put on without catching his attention. He never offered to go up stairs
or down, and very rarely used his wings. On being gently chastised when he did fly,
he would run and hide himself like a child, as if he knew he had done wrong. A box
of earth was given him to rub in, which he thoroughly enjoyed. His feathers were
always glossy, and in the most perfect order, which I attribute to his always having
plenty of green food, such as grass and clover cut small. In the winter he liked wheat,
but rarely touched it in the summer ; was very fond of sugar and cake ; drank very
little water, and liked his food dry. He never forgot any one he had made acquaint-
ance with, and the return of any of the family after many months absence, caused him
so much joy and excitement, that I have been compelled to shut him up. He would
distinguish the voices, even before they got out of the carriage. His partiality for my
mother was very great, and if she was asleep, nothing would tempt him to quit her ;
but he never liked her to be in the drawing room. In the evening he always came
into the drawing room, and remained till we retired. He slept at my bed-side, and
never disturbed me, nor got up himself, till I was called ; and then he had a particu-
lar call if he fancied I was gone to sleep again. Once from being frightened, he flew
out of the window, and being recovered after much trouble, (it was in a town) he never
again offered to get out. After this we had nets at the window, and the net being one
day left down in my room, by running up to my mother and then into my room, he
attracted her notice, and she followed him, he standing before the window, and when
the net was replaced, showing himself satisfied. Unlike most pets, he died a natural
death on the 1st January, 1843." — Arthur Hussey, Rottingdean, November, 1846.
On Reptiles, Sfc, near Bonn. — One beautiful day last July, we took a drive to the alum-
works of Friesdorf; as we ascended the hill, a melodious croaking was heard on every
side ; the coachman said it was wood-pigeons, but we made up our minds it must be
tree frogs ; we searched for them in vain, wherever we went the noise seemed to sur-
round us, but never very close ; it excited pleasing ideas of enchanted groves. I am
not familiar with the cooing of the stock-dove, but these voices seemed too small, too
numerous, and too close at hand for that. We collected specimens of the buried forest
Reptiles. 1603
in every stage, from perfect wood to perfect coal, but were disappointed in not meeting
with any of the strata in which were found the fossil frogs. I was much surprised
however, to find so goodly a collection of living batrachians in the pools about —
chiefly small specimens, as though they were bred there — first, I recognised the natter-
jack in plenty ; then I caught a kind of toad, which in its brilliant orange mottled
belly, reminded me of the warty newt, it also resembled it in its strong pungent smell
when handled ; it was blacker than the common toad on the back, and had larger feet,
which, the hind as well as the fore, it almost inverted over its back, in resigning itself to
its fate, and to a much greater degree than the common toad does, which only puts its
fore-paws over its head like a school-boy who is getting thrashed. There was also
another species of toad, chiefly differing at first sight from our common toad in the
colour of the eyes, which were grayish, instead of bright gold-colour. I did not recog-
nize there, our common toad. I was previously ignorant of the fact, and it struck me
as very remarkable, that there should be two species of toads, that we have not in Eng-
land at so little distance from us. A day or two after the above mentioned excursion,
in examining the crater of the extinct volcano, Roderberg, as I was minutely
inspecting a little cavity naturally formed in a bed of cinders, I raked out a toad ap-
parently of the same species as the last spoken of above ; to my great surprise, and
with very great interest, I observed a string of eggs tied round the hocks or knees of
its hind legs. They were tough and semi-transparent, and I think I may describe
their appearance by saying that the toad's hind legs looked as if they were chained
together by a necklace formed of large mustard-seeds strung on fishing-gut. The
time of year too ! Was it a male or female ? What will it do with its eggs ? How dif-
ferent they are from the spawn of the common toad, and yet how very much alike the
animals are, with such different habits. ! I kept it in a tin box for some days with
my other toads, and unfortunately, its eggs got separated from it, though the string
had appeared to be tightly twisted round each knee, or heel, if we choose so to call it,
there being no communication with the body. At Coblentz, I put them in spirits of
wine, thinking they would die instantly, but they were several minutes first, and one
poor fellow made me deeply regret that I had inflicted such pain upon him, as he
showed by opening his mouth wide, and trying to wipe it out with his fore feet. I
carried this and several other bottles of reptiles about with me for several weeks, but
as they leaked rather, I got tired of them, and gave them to a museum-keeper at Bern,
where also I saw other specimens of the same two species of toad, bottled and named, but
I did not take note of the names. Whilst on the subject of toads and frogs, I may be
allowed to make the observation that like the other genera of reptiles, they seem to re-
joice in heat, though it must be combined with moisture ; on the hottest days in North
Africa, I have seen hundreds of frogs and of several species, basking on the banks of
pools ; on any alarm, they jump into the water, sometimes with a very great leap. Mr.
Darwin found no frogs in the damp woods of Tierra del Fuego. In England we have
several fewer reptiles than our neighbours in the East, though we have two or three
more than our neighbours in the West ; are the sea breezes of the Atlantic unfavour-
able to reptile life? Yet natter-jacks live like gentlemen in houses of their own in the
sand dunes near Calais. I will mention one more remarkable reptile I observed near
the Rhine. It was on the banks of the crater Lake, the Laacher Lee. I was feeling
somewhat nervous and conscious-stricken, having just subjected a puppy to a " grotto
del Cano " I had been guided to by a country lad, when I suddenly came upon what
at first sight seemed to be a common viper ; after the first start, I siezed it and threw
1604 Reptiles.
it into an open space where I could observe its motions ; the first thing that struck me
was a peculiar vibration of the tail, as though it would claim relationship to the rattle-
snake ; at the same time, it showed very little inclination to bite, and had not that
curling of the upper lip which a viper shows when it is angry. I soon contrived to get
it by the nape of the neck, and to examine it more closely, I found the pupils of its
eyes were round, as in the common snake, not cat-like as in the viper, and it had no
poison-fangs ; it had a meeker appearance than the viper, but in colouring much more
resembled it than the snake. I must just add with reference to what I called the
" grotto del cano " that it is situated in a thicket, and is a little depression in the soil,
perhaps 6 feet across, and 3 feet deep, in the bottom of which is a hole like a mouse-
hole from which issues the carbonic acid (?) gas ; I saw at the bottom a common toad
in a state of putridity, upon which were settled several golden-bodied meat-flies, stand-
ing as if alive, though upon examination they proved to be dead. I held the puppy
in the hole, breathing quicker and quicker, till it was to all appearance nearly dead,
but it recovered almost immediately on being restored to good air. It had, I believe,
accidentally followed my juvenile guide. — /. Wolley.
The Great Sea Serpent.
It has been the fashion for so many years to deride all records of this very cele-
brated monster, that it is not without hesitation I venture to quote the following
paragraphs in his defence. A month only has elapsed since I had occasion to quote
with approbation, a very marked passage from the pen of Sir J. W. Herschell, [Zool.
1586] : I may apply it with equal propriety to the enquiry of the era of the Irish deer,
or the existence of the great Sea Serpent. Naturalists, or rather those who choose thus
to designate themselves, set up an authority above that of fact and observation, the gist
of their enquiries is whether such things ought to be, and whether such things ought
not to be ; now fact-naturalists take a different road to knowledge, they inquire whether
such things are, and.whether such things are not. The * Zoologist,' if not in itself the
fountain-head of this fact movement, may at least claim to be the only public advocate
of that movement ; and it is therefore most desirable, that it should call the attention
of its readers to the following remarkable paragraphs. They are quoted from one of
our daily papers, which give them as literal translations from the Norse papers, in
which they originally appeared ; the localities mentioned are intimately known to all
travellers in Norway ; and the witnesses are generally highly respectable, and of un-
impeachable veracity. The very discrepancies in the accounts prove the entire absence
of any preconcerted scheme of deception. The only question therefore for the fact-
naturalist to decide, is simply, whether all of the records now collected, can refer to
whales, fishes, or any other marine animals with which we are at present acquainted.
" In the neighbourhood of Christiansand and Molde, in the province of Romsdal,
several persons, highly respectable and credible witnesses, have reported that they have
seen this animal. In general they state that it has been seen in the larger Norwegian
fjords, seldom in the open sea. In the large bight of the sea at Christiansand, it has
been seen every year, though only in the wannest season, in the dog-days, and then
only when the weather was perfectly calm and the surface of the water unruffled. The
following pesrons whose names are here mentioned, give the subjoined testimony : —
Reptiles. 1 605
Nils Roe, workman at Mr. William Knudtzon's, relates : I saw the serpent twice,
once at noon, and two days afterwards towards the evening, in the fjord at the hack of
Mr. Knudtzon's garden. The first time it was about a hundred feet distant. It swam
first along the fjord, then afterwards direct over the spot where I stood. I observed it
for above half an hour. Some strangers who were on the opposite shore fired at it,
when it disappeared. The second time it was further from me. It was small, perhaps
twice as long as this room (about forty-four feet) ; while swimming it made serpentine
movements, some to the side, others up and down. I cannot state what thickness it was,
but it appeared to be about as thick as a common snake in proportion to its length.
It was thinner towards the tail. The head was several times slightly elevated above
above the surface of the water. The front of the head was rather pointed ; the eyes
were sharp, and glistened like those of a cat. From the back of the head a mane like
that of a horse commenced, which waved backwards and forwards in the water. The
colour of the animal was a blackish brown. John Johnson (merchant, about sixty
years of age) : I saw the animal some years since in the fjord ; it was about a thousand
paces distant when nearest to me. It swam very swiftly ; in the same time that we
rowed about a quarter of a mile to the side from it, it had swam about double the dis-
tance. I saw it most plainly when it swam in a semicircle round a tolerably large rock
that obstructed its passage ; in doing this it partly raised itself above the surface of the
water. Its colour was blackish brown, and about the length of this house (fifty-five
feet). With the exception of the head, I did not remark much of its body, as that ap-
peared but little above the surface. Judging from what I observed, I should say the
thickness of the body was about that of a stout man. The agitation it caused in the
water was very strong. Its movements were serpentine, up and down, like a leech
swimming. Lars Johnoen (fisherman at Smolen, about fifty years of age): I have
several times seen the sea-serpent, but some time since, twelve years ago, in the dog-
days, in the fjord not far from here, one afternoon as I was fishing in my boat, I saw
it twice in the course of two hours, and for some time quite near me. It came close
to my boat, so that it was only about six feet from me. I became alarmed, recom-
mended my soul to God, laid down in the boat, and only held my head so far over it
that I could observe the serpent. It swam now past the boat, that was agitated by the
ripple caused by its movement in the water, which was previously smooth, and after-
wards removed itself. After it had swam a considerable distance from me, I began
again to fish. Not long afterwards, the serpent came close to the boat, which was
strongly agitated by its movements in the water. I laid down and remained quite still,
and notwithstanding my fright, kept a watchful eye on the animal ; it passed me, dis-
appeared, and returned, though not so close as previously, and disappeared entirely
when a light wind arose, and ruffled the water. Its length was about five to six
fathoms, and the body, which was as round as a serpent's, was about two feet in di-
ameter. The tail seemed to be very round. The head was about as long as a brandy
anker (ten gallon cask), and about the same thickness, it was not pointed but round.
The eyes were very large, round, and sparkling. Their size was about the diameter of
the box here (five inches), and they were as red as my neckerchief (crimson). Close
behind the head, a mane like a horse's, commenced along the neck, and spread itself
on both sides, right and left, while swimming on the water ; it was of tolerably long
hair. The inane as well as the head, and the rest of the body, was brown as this look-
ing-glass frame (old mahogany). Spots, stripes of other colours I did not observe, nor
were there any scales ; it seemed as if the body was quite smooth. Its movements were
1606 Reptiles.
occasionally fast and slow, which latter was the case when it neared my boat ; I could
clearly observe it ; it was serpent-like, and moved up and down. The few undulations
which those parts of the body and tail that were out of the water made, were scarcely a
fathom in length. These undulations were not so high that I could see between them
and the water. When Lars Johnoen had given this explanation, he was shown the
drawing which Pontoppidan has given of this animal. He looked at it with astonish-
ment, smiled, and said he found a great resemblance between it and the animal he had
seen. He likewise said, that some of the other sea-serpents he had seen were a great
deal longer than the one above described.
Mr. William Knudtzon and Candidatus Theologiae Bochlum, gave the following
written account: We together saw the sea-serpent in a narrow fjord, at a distance of
about one-sixteenth of a mile (half an English mile), for about a quarter of an hour ;
afterwards it dived, and came up so far from us that we could not see it plainly. The
water was smooth as a mirror, and the animal had, as it moved on the surface, the ap-
pearance of a serpent. Its motions were in undulations, and so strong that white foam
appeared before it, and at the side, which stretched out several fathoms. It did not
appear very high above the water, and its length was quite discernible. Once it
stretched its head quite erect in the air. The body was somewhat dark, and the head
nearly black, it had nearly the form of an eel, or snake, and a length of about 100 feet,
and in proportion to it an inconsiderable thickness. The breadth diminished remark-
ably from the head, so much so that the tail ended in a point. The head was long
and small in proportion to the throat, as the latter appeared much greater than the for-
mer, probably as it was furnished with a mane. Foged (Sheriff) Gottsche made the
following remarks : I saw the sea-serpent for some time in a small fjord, first from a
boat, afterwards from the beach, several minutes, at a distance of from thirty to thirty-
six feet. In the beginning it swam round the fjord at Torvig, afterwards it went into
the deeps. I saw its head stretched considerably out of the water. I remarked as
well two or three undulations of the fore-part of the body. Its motion was not like
that of an eel, but consisted in waving undulations, up and down. They were exces-
sively strong, and caused tolerable large waves ; they were largest at the fore-part of
the animal, and towards the back gradually lessened. The traces of them I discerned
in a length of eight to ten fathoms, and a breadth of two to three fathoms. The head
seemed blunted, and had the size and form of a ten-gallon cask, the undulations of
the body were round and about the dimensions of a good timber stock (twelve to four-
teen inches square). The entire length of the animal I could not judge, as it was not
possible to observe the extremity. Its colour appeared to be dark gray. At the back
of the head there was a mane, which was the same colour as the rest of the body.
The writer of this article received letters from Mr. Soren Knudtzon, stating that a
sea-serpent had been seen in the neighbourhood of Christiansand by several people,
and from Dr. Hoffmann, a respectable surgeon in Molde, lying on a considerable
fjord to the south of Christiansand, Rector Hammer, Mr. Kraft, curate, and several
persons, very clearly saw, while on a journey, a sea-serpent of considerable size.
The Rev. Mr. Deinboll, Archdeacon of Molde, gives the following account of one
which was seen last summer near Molde. The 28th of July, 1845, J. C. Lund, book-
seller and printer ; G. S. Krogh, merchant ; Christian Flang, Lund's apprentice ; and
John Elgenses, labourer, were out on Romsdale-fjord, fishing. The sea was, after a
warm sunshiny day, quite calm. About seven o'clock in the afternoon, a little dis-
tance from shore, near the ballast place and Molde Hooc, they saw a long marine aui-
Reptiles. 1607
mal, which slowly moved itself forward/ as it appeared to them, with the help of two
fins, on the fore-part of the body nearest the head, which they judged from the boiling
of the water on both sides of it. The visible part of the body appeared to be between
forty and fifty feet in length, and moved in undulations like a snake. The body was
round, and of a dark colour, and seemed to be several ells (an ell two feet) in thick-
ness. As they discerned a waving motion in the water behind the animal, they con-
cluded that part of the body Was concealed under water. That it was one connected
animal they saw plainly from its movement. When the animal was about one hun-
dred yards from the boat, they noticed tolerably correctly its fore-part, which ended in
a sharp snout ; its colossal head raised itself above the water in the form of a semi-
circle; the lower part was not visible. The colour of the head was dark brown and
the skin smooth. They did not notice the eyes or any mane or bristles on the throat;
When the serpent came about a musket-shot near, Lund fired at it, and was certain the
shots hit it in the head. After the shot he dived, but came up immediately. He
raised his head in the air like a snake preparing to dart on its prey. After he had
turned and got his body in a straight line, which he appeared to do with great diffi-
culty, he darted like an arrow against the boat. They reached the shore, and the ani-
mal perceiving it had come in shallow water, dived immediately, and disappeared in
the deep.
Such is the declaration of these four men, and no one has any cause to question
their veracity, or imagine that they were so seized with fear, that they could not ob-
serve what took place so near them. There are not many here, or on other parts of
the Norwegian coast, who longer doubt the existence of the sea-serpent. The writer
of this narrative was a long time sceptical, as he had not been so fortunate as to see
this monster of the deep, but after the many accounts he has read, and the relations he
has received from creditable witnesses, he does not dare longer to doubt the existence
of the sea-serpent.
Molde, the 29th Nov., 1845. P. W. Deinboll.
The following gives some later particulars : —
Sunds Parsonage, August 31, 1846.
On Saturday, the 8th inst., in the course between the islands of Sartor Leer and
Tos, a sea monster, supposed to be a sea-serpent, was seen by several persons. Early on
this day just as the steamer Biorgvin passed through Kognefiord towing a vessel to
Bergen, Daniel Solomonson, a cotter, saw a sea-monster, whose like he declares he
never met with although accustomed to the sea and its inhabitants from his earliest
years. The animal came swimming from Rognefiord in a westerly direction towards
his dwelling at Gronnevigskiceset, in the northern part of the parish of Sund. The
head appeared like a Fcering boat (about twenty feet long) keel uppermost, and from
behind it raised itself forward in three, and sometimes four and five undulations, each
apparently about twelve feet long : its rate appeared to be that of a light boat rowed by
four active men. When it reached Gronnevigskiceset at a distance of two rifle-shots
it turned with considerable noise and continued its course towards Lundences. Later
about eleven o'clock in the same day his wife Ingeborg, in Daniel's absence, heard a
loud noise in the sea, and she and two little children saw a great monster, such as de-
scribed above, take a northerly course, close by their place at such a rate that the waves
were dashed on the shore in the same way as when a steamer is passing by. Neither
of them say that they saw anything like eyes or fins, or indeed anything projecting
from its round form, but they declare that the colour of the animal was dark brown.
1608 Fishes.
and that it often rose up with gentle undulations, sometimes, however, sinking below
the surface so that merely a stripe indicated the rapid course of the gigantic body.
On the same morning a lad, by name Abraham Abrahamsen Hagences, was out fishing
in the Rognefiord,-not far from Lundenoes, and just ready to throw out his line, when
he, as he asserts, became aware that at about one hundred fathoms distance a monster
with a head as large as a Foering boat (about twenty feat long) and a long body lay
upon the sea like large kegs aud was nearing his boat : seized with a panic he exerted
all his strength to reach the shore, and as the animal, apparently following him, was
only about forty fathoms off, he leaped ashore, drew up the boat and ran up the bank,
whence he viewed the monster which had by this time approached the shore within
twenty fathoms. He says that that part of the body which was visible was about sixty
feet in length, and that its undulating course was similar to the eel : that the colour
of the back was blackish, shining strongly, and as far as he could distinguish there
was a whitish stripe under the belly. Report also says that the sea-serpent was seen
by several persons in Biornfiord causing a great deal of dread, but of this our inform-
ant wants authentic accounts. Our informant further says that he has no reason
whatever to doubt the truth of the story of the man and his wife, or the trustworthi-
ness of the lad Abraham, except as far as that his fears may have caused him to see
several things through a magnifying glass.
Notes on the Fishes of the LanoVs End. By R. Q. Couch, Esq.
M.R.C.S.L., &c.
(Continued from p. 1419).
Fishing Frog, Monk, Sea-devil, Lophius piscatorius. Common at
all seasons, but is more frequently seen during the fine weather of
summer and autumn, for at these periods it approaches nearer the
shore than it does in winter. The habits of this fish are as remark-
able as any found on our shores. It is a huge, unshapely creature,
and is of a soft, gelatinous, and flaccid consistence. Its mouth is
enormous, extending round its expanded front, and so far back as to
be on a line with the eyes, and when expanded seems to be prolonged
almost to the pectoral fins. But great as it is, it seems only propor-
tionate to an inordinate appetite. The creature is remarkably inac-
tive and apparently moves with difficulty. This antipathy to action
is strangely contrasted with the enormity of its appetite, to satisfy
which, it has recourse to stratagem in the capture of its prey. It
generally frequents sandy bays in moderately deep water, and by the
aid of its hand-like pectoral fins, it forms for itself a cavity in
the sand in which it lies. The colour of the back is sandy, and this
appearance is still further increased by the sand which has been
Fishes. 1609
thrown up during the excavation falling all around and over its back.
Thus hid from view, the long tendrils which arise from the back of
the head are elevated, and their worm-like terminations are moved
gently about, either at will or by the motion of the tide. This vermi-
cular appearance deceives those small fish which may be passing, but
no sooner do they bite, than by the aid of its large and powerful pec-
toral fins, the " fishing frog " starts from its hiding place and engulphs
its unsuspecting prey. Another plan is sometimes pursued, if the soil
be not sandy, but what is called by the fishermen " rough ground,"
the fishing frog lies at the bottom as if dead ; and this appearance is
greatly increased, by its soft and semi-decomposed appearance. In
this position it lies, and the dorsal tendrils float carelessly about, and
the numerous filaments which surround the lower jaw act as so many
decoys for the smaller fish. If hungry, the fishermen inform me,
the tendrils are no sooner touched than the victim is caught ; but that
at other times, they will wait till several victims are assembled, when
they are all caught together. The dorsal tendrils have each a bony
centre running through their whole length. The first is articulated at
its base by a chain joint, the second by a triangular one. These, as
well as the labial filaments, are well supplied with nerves from the
same source as the muscles of the jaw; hence, there is an unity estab-
lished between the sensation of one and the action of the other. But
though it thus exercises a great deal of cunning in capturing its prey,
yet it is by no means an intelligent fish. Whether it is that the vo-
racity of its appetite demands a larger supply than its stratagems can
command, or that it is the effect of mere stupidity, it is by no means
particular as to what it seizes. I have heard it said, that one rose to
the surface and attempted to swallow the red " barrel buoy " of a pil-
chard-seine ; and one, a few years since, swallowed the white-washed
cork buoy of a crab-pot, and from its being unable to sink again with
it, became strangled, and was so caught. The tales told by fisher-
men of its voracity and stupidity, though no doubt exaggerated, are
in some measure confirmed by what I have seen myself. It frequently
rises to the surface of the water in the summer and autumn, and lies
basking in the sun. It varies in length to about four feet ; the sexes
are distinguished, as in the rays, by the secondary characters.
Common Wrasse Conner, Labrus Balanus. Common, around the
rocks near the shore among sea-weed. It feeds on small Crustacea
and worms. It takes a worm-bait readily, and affords excellent sport
to boys fishing from the rocks. The largest fish always remain the
lords of their respective districts, and the smaller ones rarely intrude
V G
1610 Fishes.
beyond a few feet from their shelter ; but if the largest are caught, an
abundance of smaller ones soon make their appearance. I have
never detected the remains of fish in their stomachs, and hence
it is not easy to say why small specimens should avoid the neighbour-
hood of the larger ones. The largest specimen 1 ever saw was caught
off Tol-Pedn-Penwith, near the Land's End, and weighed four pounds,
three ounces ; it was blind in both eyes frpm cataract. The fish of
this genus are very liable to get blind as they grow old, but it is most
frequently from opacity of the cornea. In this state they frequently
wander into sandy nooks, and into such shallow water, that I have
known them taken by the hand, and sometimes they are left dry by
the ebbing of the tide.
Green-streaked Wrasse, L. lineatus. Of this rare species, I have
seen a single specimen, which was taken off Mousehole Island, in
Mount's Bay. It is quite distinct from the last, in not having
the marbled appearance of the face, in having thinner lips, and the
second dorsal fin smaller : it is also a more slender fish from the dor-
sal fin to the head, and also about the tail. The colouring is not so
bright, and is more of a bluish or greenish colour than the last, and is
not so interrupted.
Cook Conner, L. variegatus. Everywhere common. The colour,
especially the blue, varies from a deep, to a very light tint. This spe-
cies keeps in deeper water than the common wrasse, and prefers
a rough, stony ground, with low overhanging rocks. It feeds on
crustaceans, and takes a bait freely. This varies its resorts, more
perhaps than any of its kindred species. In summer it approaches
nearer the shore than during the winter months.
Coomber, Labrus comber. This is certainly the most elegantly
shaped of all the wrasses found in our seas. It is the most slender,
and the most graceful. The head is smaller, lips thinner, and the
jaws more prolonged and pointed than any of the others. I have seen
only a single specimen, caught off St. Michael's Mount, but I am
informed by the fishermen that several are caught every summer.
Red Conner, Three-spotted Wrasse, L. carneus. This is the
most brilliant of its class. Like all the wrasses, it frequents rocks at
short distances from the shore. It feeds on worms and Crustacea,
and takes a bait readily : it deposits its spawn generally in April, but
I have found some specimens with ova in July and August. It
does not appear, however, that the same specimen breeds twice in the
same season, since the April and August breeders are rarely found in
the same locality. Each species of this genus, though they are all
Fishes. 1611
rock fish, has a particular or specific habit. I once told a boy I
wished to get a red conner, and he took me to a spot where we
could take but little else, in the course of half an hour we caught
twenty-two, and might have taken more, if we had re-mained longer.
They prefer from ten to twenty fathoms of water, with a rough
ground or rocks standing out of a sandy soil.
Rainbow Wrasse, lulls lulls. Rare. The late Mr. E. Chergwin
told me that one had been caught in Mount's Bay.
Corkwing Corker, Crenllabrus Cornublcus. This is one of the
most abundant of the wrasses, as well as one of the smallest. It fre-
quents the windings of rocks close to the shore, among sea- weed.
They are not gregarious, for though a great number will frequent one
spot, yet each seems to move about independent of the others. It
takes a bait readily, and affords excellent sport to the boys fishing
from the rocks. They will follow a bait to the water's edge, and I
have known them so abundant that they have been taken as fast as
the boys could prepare the line for them. They breed in April and
May, and in June, July and August, the young, of a bright green co-
lour, may be taken in pools with a shrimp-net, from a quarter of an
inch to two inches in length. In the young state they are more slen-
der than in the adult. As age increases they grow deeper, and the
black spot anterior to the caudal fin disappears. I have not Mr.
Yarrell's second edition of his ' British Fishes ' to which I can refer,
but in the first he says, " this fish rarely takes a bait," an observation
which ought to be transferred to another species, C. tinea.
Goldsinny, C. tinea. Frequently taken in the pilchard-seine.
Iago's Goldsinny, C. rupestrls. Not uncommon in various parts of
the bay. It may be always distinguished from the corkwing by the
position of the black spot on the tail, which is on the upper edge
when the body joins the fin. As the fish grows the spot becomes
paler and smaller, but is never, I believe, obliterated.
Corkling, C. multldentatus. Not very rare, about Lamorna, near
the Land's End.
Rock Cook, C. microstoma. Common, in deep water, but as it
never takes a bait, it is rarely seen. It frequents rough and stony
ground, where it feeds on minute Crustacea and dead animal matter.
It is most frequently caught in the crab-pots, and several are taken
every morning by the men engaged in the crab fishery. It gets into
the pots after the baits, which it lays hold of by its very small mouth,
and tears it away bit by bit, or sucks it off till satiated.
Scale-rayed Wrasse, C. Luseus. Rare. Caught near Mousehole
1612 Fishes.
Island. The whole of the wrasses are eaten by the fishermen, but
more for the sake of variety than from any delicacy of their flavour.
The flesh is very soft and rather sweet, and cannot be preserved for
any length of time. The motor lentis or square muscle of the lens,
in the interior of the eye, is strongly developed in all the wrasses, and
the nervous supply is large.
Trumpet Fish, Woodcock Fish, and Bellows Fish, Centriscus
scolopax. This is very rare. Mr. Chergwin told me that he has seen
a specimen taken in Mount's Bay, and a fisherman tells me that he
has taken another off" Cape Cornwall.
Tench, Tinea vulgaris. To be found in the ponds at Trengwain-
ton, where they were placed by the late Sir Rose Price, Bart. The
dace is found in the Tamar, the carp and loach are found in a natu-
ralized state in a few ponds, and the minnow occurs in some
rivers of the county, but not within the district embraced by these
observations.
Garfish, Garrick. Belone vulgaris. This remarkable fish is com-
mon on all parts of our shores. From the colour of its bones, it is fre-
quently called " green bones," but its most common name among the
fishermen is Garrick. It is migratory and gregarious in its habits,
frequently approaching the shores in large " schulls." During the
winter and spring it retires into deep water in a south-westerly direc-
tion, though it may be caught during every month in the year, near
the shore. On the northern part of our shores about Cape Cornwall,
and the other headlands, it retires in a north-westerly direction into
deep water, but the largest shoals are to the west, where they remain
during the winter, migrating a little up the various channels. As
summer approaches they again go west, and about April, May, and
June they approach the shores, and in June, July, and August, and
even so late as December they are taken by hundreds in the drift-nets
used for the taking of. pilchards, and are sold at a very low price in
the market at Penzance. Like all gregarious fish while migrating,
they are fond of rising to the surface out of mere pleasure ; and as
they do this in the mackerel season, they are often mistaken by the
seiners and enclosed for mackerel. Their motion through the water
is rapid, and they will frequently rise to the surface and spring into
the air, and over anything that may be floating on the surface. It
freely takes the hook, but like the mackerel, and unlike most other
fish, it never plays round a bait, but strikes it as if it were living. The
mackerel strikes it sideways, the garfish generally obliquely upwards,
hence it happens, that when it takes the hook, the first notice of the
Fishes. 1613
capture is the fish starting into the air with the line, and then beating
itself about on the surface to get rid of the hook, and in doing this it
always emits a very strong and peculiar smell. When the fish has
been common, as it was last year in Mount's Bay, I frequently fished
for it with a float- line, but in no instance was the float pulled under
before the fish had risen to the surface. Its digestion is very rapid ; I
have seen it pass through a shoal of small launce and devour them,
and yet when caught, very little else than mucous has been found in
the stomach ; but in the effort to escape, it invariably voids whatever
it has taken, even if only a few minutes before. It also feeds on small
Crustacea, but its appetite is voracious and constant, and but few
small things with life come amiss. It breeds about May, when it
first approaches the shore. In the autumn it again retires into deeper
water till the following year. It varies in length to twenty-nine
inches.
Skipper, Mackerel Garrick. Scomberesox saurus. The Cornish
name of mackerel garrick> shows the same discrimination as the ge-
neric name of Scomberesox, and is descriptive of the finlets anterior to
the caudal fin. This is a very much smaller species than the last,
more migratory, and its migrations extend over a greater extent of
water. It is frequently caught by thousands in the drift-nets, when
they are used about June and July, at a few leagues from the shore.
They are exceedingly rapid in their speed, and frequently start by
scores into the air, especially if pursued by any other fish. During
the summer, when our beautiful bay seems teeming with fish of every
kind, the scene, especially in the evenings, is frequently enlivened by
a piscatory hunt, — a shoal of skippers will start into the air, and im-
mediately after, up springs a huge bonito after them, all going at the
rate of eight or ten miles an hour. In a few seconds they again
fall into the water, and again renew their attempts to escape, till, ap-
parently tired, they cannot mount above the surface, when they be-
come an easy prey to the tunny and bonito and their other persecutors.
I have seen eight thousand enclosed in one pilchard seine. In the
summer time it is a high swimmer, but during the autumn it leaves
for the west and south-wTest to go into deep water, and the autumnal
mackerel fishermen tell me they see them in September, about eight
and ten leagues to the south-west of the Cornish shores. They mi-
grate towards the shores in June and July, but their movements are
rapid, and they rarely remain in one spot long, hence it is difficult
accurately to watch all their movements.
1614 Fishes.
Flying Fish, Exoccctus exiliens. The late Mr. Chefgwin told me
that he had seen several flying-fish in Mount's Bay, and on inquiry of
the fishermen, I found their occurrence was not rare. It was some time,
however, before I could get an opportunity of seeing any. In the
summer of 1845, while about six miles off the shore, I saw many start
from the water very high into the air. As they were to the west of
our boat, and their course was eastward, I expected I should again
have another opportunity of seeing them, and in a very few minutes
I was gratified by seeing them close to us. They were pursued by
several huge striped bonitos. The enormous pectoral fins, with the
large ventral ones, clearly indicated the species to be the exiliens and
not the volitans. They rose from the water like an arrow to about
ten or twelve feet, and then gradually and glidingly fell into the
water again. Their flight was different from what I expected, all the
velocity seemed acquired in the water, and gradually decreased as soon
as they left it. It was evidently a continuation of the flight through
the water, the creature possessed no power over its motions while in
the air ; the large pectorals seemed to facilitate their progress upwards
and to prevent their sudden dropping downwards, and to serve
no other purpose, at least out of the water. The whole flight seemed
like an arrow, and the pectoral fins served as the feathers. I have
examined the heads of two specimens, taken near Cape Cornwall,
both of which are referrible to this species.
Salmon, Salmo salar. As there are no large rivers in the district of
the Land's End, all the fresh-water fish are rare and small. The sal-
mon visit Mount's Bay, and all the district from Helford river to
the Land's End and St. Ive's Bay during their annual migrations,
but they very rarely ascend the rivers.
The Peal, Salmo trutta. Is occasionally seen I am told, but I
have never yet had an opportunity of examining a specimen.
Common Trout, Salmo fario. Common in the small streams of the
district, the waters of which are not impregnated with copper or tin.
The Palmer Trout is entirely absent.
R. Q. Couch.
Penzance.
Insects. 1615
On the Occasional Abundance and Rarity of certain British Insects.
By J. F. Stephens, Esq., F.L.S.
Dr. Becker, when in London, remarked to me one day, — " You
English are a peculiar, a very peculiar people, you are surrounded by
water, and like to keep yourselves to yourselves " : a remark, elicited
from him, by my refusing to accept of a fine pair or two of Catocala
Fraxini, in addition to other presents of Lepidoptera, I selected from
his boxes ; he having observed, a few days previously, that I possessed
only an indifferent pair of that conspicuous insect, and being at a loss
to comprehend why I should prefer bad to good specimens. To him,
C. Fraxini was C. Fraxini, whether it was European or exotic. He
followed up his remark by observing that he had been informed a
sovereign or more, had been given for Argynnis Lathonia in moderate
condition, whereas splendid specimens which he had brought over
were refused to be purchased at a price under Is. per pair ! I ex-
plained to him it was merely because they were not British 1
Such is undoubtedly the fact, and it originates from various causes ;
the principal of which are, — a patriotic desire to ascertain correctly,
the production of this, our favoured island : a wish to collect such pro-
ductions only; and a disinclination to venture upon the vast and ex-
haustless field of foreign Entomology, and its consequent overwhelm-
ing extent. The first of these points as regards Entomology (especi-
ally) , I have endeavoured with somewhat more than usual assiduity
to accomplish, and have neglected no opportunity of so doing, regard-
less of expense, so far as my limited means would permit, and thus
after a long course of thirty-six years, I have become possessed of
numerous species of considerable rarity, and of occasional appearance,
respecting the indigenous origin of which, doubts and surmises have
arisen, — other individuals are moreover in the like predicament from
the same causes.
I have been led to these remarks from the fact, that of late there
appears to be a growing disposition to strike the names of such un-
common species out of the indigenous list, solely from the hope in
many cases, delusive though it be, of more speedily completing a col-
lection, by diminishing the number of desiderata ; and in some few in-
stances, from the equally delusive wish that they were not British,
from the apparent utter impossibility of obtaining them, by reason of
their great rarity ; I would therefore as a caution to Entomologists,
before they so indiscriminately decide on the paternity of some of our
1616 Insects.
insects, call their attention to the subjoined facts, which might be ex-
tensively multiplied : — some of which, in result as to other insects,
must have fallen beneath the notice of every practical collector, even
of fewer years' experience.
For eighteen years I possessed four bleached specimens only, of
Thecla W-album, having vainly endeavoured to procure others ; when,
in 1827, as elsewhere recorded,* I saw the insect at Ripley, not by
dozens only, but literally by scores of thousands ! ! I and, although
I frequented the same locality for thirteen years subsequently, some-
times in the season, for a month together, I have not since seen a single
specimen there ; but in 1833, I caught one specimen at Madingley
Wood, near Cambridge.
Again, it was nine years ere I obtained that beautiful coleopterous in-
sect, Endomychus coccineus ; but behold ! in September, 1816, it oc-
curred on an alder-stump, in Coombe Wood, in such profusion, that I
scraped the insects up by double -handsful ; and since that period, now
thirty years, although esteemed an insect of no great rarity, I have not
taken, or seen living, half a dozen specimens.
The first visit I paid to Coombe Wood, viz., on the 24th of May,
1810, 1 met with several specimens of Pieris Crataegi,f an insect I have
never seen there since : and from 1810 to about 1816 — 7, Limenitis
Camilla was not uncommon there, in July ; it has now totally disap-
peared ; as has likewise, Vanessa C-album, from Hertford, (where I
used to find it in abundance), for nearly 30 years.
The influence of a new, or neglected locality must also be borne in
mind ; e. g. on the 14th of August, 1818, I captured in less than one
quarter of an hour, and within a space of 50 yards, Pontia Daplidice ! !
Argynnis Lathonia, male and female ! ! Aspilates gilvaria, (of which
Haworth says " Exemplaria tria solum vidi ") and Harpalyce galiata,
(then a desideratum with Haworth, after thirty years' experience), a
score or two of each ! Gomphus flavipes, male, to this day unique ; as
well as other rarities ! ! the two first insects then presumed not to be
indigenous.
The addition of the more notorious circumstances in regard to
Colias Hyale, recently, and Vanessa Antiopa formerly, maybe alluded
to ; and I may also state that within these few months, my friend Mr.
H. Doubleday, saw the rare Erastria venustula, (my pair of which
* Illustrations (Haustellata), vol. i, p. 77.
f For nearly thirty successive years, the late Mr. Haworth told me, he found
this insect at Little Chelsea ; about 1818 it disappeared from that neighbourhood.
Insects. 1617
have often been disputed to be British, as no other had turned
up these fifty years), in plenty one afternoon, in Epping Forest,
(in which locality mine were taken in 1792), but being unprepared, he
visited the spot the succeeding day, at the same hour, and not a ves-
tige of the insect was to be seen ! Luckily he had secured two specimens
in pill-boxes the first day.*
These are a few facts, gleaned from experience regarding some con-
spicuous insects, some, not uncommon, and others, formerly reputed
foreign or unknown ; which ought to open the eyes of practical ento-
mologists, in respect to rarer ones, not chosing to turn up when " called
for " ; and ought to teach them not to doubt the origin of every spe-
cies they cannot readily obtain ; but alas ! I fear such will never be the
case.
Now with reference to the first fact ; assuming, for the sake of argu-
ment, that I had never visited Ripley, or its vicinity ; one example only,
of Th. W-album, would have occurred to me in thirty-six years,
so that I might, on the principles now deprecated, have questioned the
origin of my old specimens till 1833, because I had not found the
insect after twenty-four years1 experience, nor seen a recently cap-
tured example, until I found the one at Madingley at that period.
Amongst the " outcasts " of the nature alluded to, I shall merely di-
rect attention to the following, in illustration of my position.
Hadena arnica ? Of the insect, so called by me, I possess a male
from Francillon's cabinet, and a female from Marsham's ; — other old
specimens also exist : and Mr. Lighton informed me that he had re-
cently taken it near Bristol : it is now said to be American, and my
friend Mr. E. Doubleday tells me it is the N. arctica of Boisduval,
from northern Europe.
Graphiphora subrosea, Steph. has been doubted, " because it had
not lately turned up." When I obtained the pair which are in my
collection, I selected them from others taken at the time, and hardly
sufficiently dry to place in my cabinet. If British, say the disputers,
why does not it now occur ? And as Boisduval does not know it, its
fate has been sealed. But Boisduval says of Celaena Haworthi, " non
Apamea genuina, ut verisimile exotica" an insect of which there
exist scores of English specimens in collections. He knows not ex-
cept from recent British examples, Aspilates ? multistrigaria ! although
a not very uncommon London or Metropolitan insect.
J. F. Stephens.
Eltham Cottage, Sept. 1845.
* See Zoologist, p. 1085.
V H
1618 Microscopical Society.
P.S. Since the foregoing was penned, many of our rarer Lepidoptera
have turned up in plenty, viz. Sphinx Convolvuli, Deilephilae Galii,
Livornica and Celerio, (a doubted native) , Acherontia Atropos, Mames-
tra nigricans ? Graphiphora Dahlii, and " mirabile dictu," ! subrosea,
of which about a dozen examples were found by a boy in August last,
near Whittlesea Mere. J. F. S.
E. C. September, 1846.
Report of the Microscopical Society of London.
October 14, 1846. — J. S. Bowerbank, Esq., F.R.S., President, in
the chair.
A paper by John Anthony, Esq., on a method of rendering the ap-
pearances in delicate structures visible, by means of oblique trans-
mitted light. This method depends upon the placing the object in
such a position, that the fine lines, or other delicate markings, are
exactly at right angles to the illuminating rays when these lines,
&c, will be at their maximum of distinctness ; and thus tissues
may be rendered distinctly visible, whose existence, when viewed in
the ordinary manner, might be considered exceedingly doubtful.
The object employed to illustrate this position, was the Navicula of
the Humber, one of the most delicate of test-objects, which under or-
dinary circumstances appears perfectly transparent, but when viewed in
this way, not only exhibits a double set of lines, but also transverse
lines, giving the whole the appearance of being covered with a delicate
net- work. Four drawings of this object were exhibited, showing it in
as many different positions, making a complete revolution of the field
in which the markings just mentioned were distinctly visible. In order
to bring out these appearances, it is necessary that the light should
be very oblique, and must be passed laterally through the " bull's-
eye " in such a manner, that the object (the Navicula) may appear of
an intensely blue colour, nearly opaque. The stage is then to be
gradually turned round until the shell is in the position to be best seen
as described.
November 11, 1846. — J. S. Bowerbank, Esq., F.R.S., President, in
the chair.
A paper was read by Mr. John Quekett, entitled " Additional obser-
vations on the intimate structure of bone." The author after allud-
Microscopical Society. 1619
ing to a previous paper on the same subject, read before the Society
in March last, in which he described certain characters peculiar to
the bones of each of the four great classes of the vertebrate kingdom,
by which a bone of each class could be easily distinguished, and
after pointing out the importance of the knowledge of this sub-
ject to the palaeontologists and geologists, in enabling them to de-
termine the nature of any fossil fragment of bone, however minute,
he went on to state, that he had ascertained that the cells of the bone
bore a certain relation in point of size, to that of the blood-discs ;
thus for instance, the blood-discs were found to be largest in reptiles,
smallest in birds and Mammalia, and were in fishes of an intermediate
size ; and he had discovered that the bone-cells followed the same
law. In the present paper, Mr. Quekett states the result of his ex-
amination of the structure of the bone of the perennibranchiate rep-
tiles, viz. — the Syren, Proteus, and Axolotl, which have the largest
blood-discs of all the Vertebrata, and he found that in them the bone-
cells were the largest also, which fully bore out, and confirmed his
former statement. Diagrams were exhibited which represented the
bone-cells in the human subject, the ostrich, turtle, Syren, and
Lepidosteus, when magnified by 453 diameters, by which means,
their characteristic differences were rendered very evident.
A second paper by John King, Esq., of Ipswich, was read, on a
method by which all objects may be polarized under the Microscope.
The analyser consists of a double image placed over the eye-piece of
the instrument, a plate of selenite is then put upon the stage, the
edges of this field will then appear coloured, while the centre remains
colourless. Any object introduced into this field will exhibit the ef-
fects of polarized light with great intensity, and purity of colour.
December 9, 1846.— J. S. Bowerbank, Esq., F.R.S., President, in
the chair.
A paper on the application of Polarized light in Microsopic ob-
servations, by Mr. Legg, was read. After noticing the remarks of
Dr. Brewster, respecting the advantages likely to be derived from the
application of polarized light in the microscopic examination of deli-
cate structures, Mr. Legg described a series of polarizing apparatus,
which may be readily adapted to almost any microscope, consisting,
1st, of a bundle of plates of crown glass, from which the light is to
be reflected at an angle of 56° in which position one portion only
of the light is refracted, and another transmitted, each of which po-
sitions consists of light polarized in opposite planes ; this arrange-
1620 Microscopical Society.
ment is the best adapted to low single powers. 2ndly, a plate of
tourmaline, as free from colour as possible, and cut parallel to the
crystalline axis ; and 3rdly, a Nicol's or single image prism, being a
portion of a crystal of Iceland Spar, cut, and combined with a piece
of glass, so as to throw out of the field of view one of the two images
produced by the double refraction of the crystal. This he described
as being the most eligible for the compound microscope, in as much as
it is perfectly free from colour, and requires very little adjustment.
He then described a series of experiments, illustrating the most
striking phenomena of double refraction, in which he employed the
Nicol's prism adapted under the stage. A double refractor, adapted
to the eye-pieces, a film of selenite of uniform thickness, placed in
accordance with its crystalline axis, and a plate of brass, perforated
with holes from about one-sixteenth to a quarter of an inch in diame-
ter. In the first of these experiments, in which the double refracting
crystal was placed over the eye-piece, two distinct images appeared,
one of which revolved round the other when the eye-piece was turned
round, thus showing the ordinary and extraordinary rays. On the
second, the Nicol's prism was applied under the stage, the other ar-
rangements remaining the same. Upon turning the eye-piece, al-
though two images are produced, but one is seen when half the revo-
lution is performed, i. e. at 180° from the first position. Changes
also take place at every other quadrant. In the third experiment
the selenite plate was interposed, the images were now coloured and
presented the complimentary colours at every quarter of a circle.
When the hole in the piece of brass was of a large size, the images
were seen to overlap and white light was produced. The author con-
cluded with some remarks upon the service likely to be rendered to
microscopical investigation by the employment of polarized light.
======= J. W.
Further notes on the Bones of Extinct Deer found in Ireland.
[The following letters are addressed to the Editor of the Farmer's Gazette, and
appear in the columns of that highly useful periodical.]
1. From Professor Owen of London.
London, Dec. 7th, 1846.
Sir, — As you have done me the honor to refer to my work on British
Fossil Mammalia [Zool. 1595], in regard to the question of the anti-
quity of the magnificent extinct species of deer (Megaceros Hiberni-
cus) — the abundant remains of which are so characteristic of Ireland
Quadrupeds. 1621
I am induced to communicate to you one of the conclusions to
which I have arrived, after inspecting the series of skulls of oxen, pigs,
and the extinct deer obtained from Loch Gur, near Limerick, by Mr.
Nolan, to whose attention I am indebted for the view of so interesting
a collection.
I limit myself, on the present occasion, to the notice of the remains
of the Gigantic Extinct Deer, which you describe [See Zool. 1593, fee.]
as " two female skulls, fractured on the frontals in precisely the same
manner as those of the cattle," and which are described by Mr. Glen-
non — in the Dublin Evening Post, of November 14th, 1846, as "two
of the undoubted skulls of the female giant Deer, agreeing in every
respect with the male head, except in the want of horns."
The conclusion to which I arrived, after a careful comparison of
these skulls with unmutilated skulls of the male and female Megaceros,
in the presence of Mr. Nolan and another gentleman, is, that they
do agree in every respect with the male head, except in the want of
horns, which have been broken off, together with a portion of the fron-
tal bone from which they grew, leaving that wide vacuity in the upper
wall of the skull cavity, which has been conjectured to have been pro-
duced by the act of slaugtering the animals, in the same manner as
the butchers of the present day do, by breaking in the frontal bone bj'
some heavy instrument.
If I am right in my conclusion, that the skulls in question belonged
to the male sex, and not to the female, of the Gigantic Megaceros, the
improbability that a male of that species could have been killed by a
blow between the horns, or that any human strength could have driven
in a large piece of the frontal bone at that part, will be obvious to
every anatomist, who knows that the skull of the male Megaceros is at
that part specially strengthened, in subserviency to the support and
wielding of the horns, by an enormous thickening of the frontal bone,
forming a transverse bar of dense osseous matter, four inches in thick-
ness. But nothing is more likely to happen than that, in the attempt
to break off the antlers from the skull, the transverse connecting ele-
vated portion of the frontal bones between the bases of the antlers
should be wrenched away with them, leaving a wide central perforation,
with splintering of the surrounding part of the skull, extending to the
post-orbital processes; and this is precisely what has happened, in my
opinion to the two skulls in question. But it may be asked, why,
when the antlers have disappeared from the skulls, I should dissent
from the opinions of Messrs. Nolan and Glennon, that these skulls be-
longed to the female. My reasons are the following : —
V I
1622 Quadrupeds.
1st. They are larger than the skulls of the female, and they agree in
size with those of the male. But to this it may be objected that they
may have belonged to a different variety, and that probably the indi-
viduals increased in size under that state of domestication in which
they are supposed to have been fattened, and knocked down by the
butcher, when wanted for the feast.
The argument from agreement of size with the male's skull, it is
true, will only have force if it concur with other and more conclusive
correspondences. The skull of the male Megaceros is not only gen-
erally larger than that of the female, but particular parts are dispro-
portionately increased in express relation to its power of sustaining the
enormous antlers, the weight of which ranges between 70 lbs. and 90
lbs. of osseous matter.
2nd. The occiput or back-part of the skull, for example, into which
were implanted the strong muscles and powerful elastic ligaments,
serving to bear up the head and its ponderous weapons, is not only
absolutely broader in the male than in the female, but is considerably
broader in proportion to the length of the skull : its ridges are
stronger, its depressions deeper.
3rd. Again, the vertical plate of bone descending from the outside
of the supporting surface of the antler to the zygomatic arch, and
forming the back part of the socket for the eye, is twice as broad in the
male as in the female Megaceros. And why ? Because it helps to
sustain the weight of the antlers.
Now, on comparing the two, so-called, fractured female skulls with-
out horns, in Mr. Nolan's collection, with an entire and indubitable
female skull, and with two unbroken skulls of the male ; the fractured
skulls, supposed to be female, presented these peculiar sexual charac-
ter's of the male's skull, and many other modifications which relate to
the existence of antlers, and which, as they would be appreciated
chiefly by the physiologist, I will not further trouble your readers
with.
" Facts," Mr. Editor, as you will observe, "are stubborn things," and
those which I have the honor to submit to you, are conclusive with
me against the domesticity of the Megaceros, so far as that hypothe-
sis is founded on the supposed " discovery of two undoubted female
skulls, fractured in the same manner as the butchers of the present
day slaughter cattle."
I remain, Sir, your obedient servant,
Richard Owen.
Quadrupeds. 1623
2. From H. D. Richardson, Esq., of Dublin.
Dublin, Dec. 16, 1846.
Sir, — My attention has just been invited to a letter from Professor
Owen, which appeared in your paper of Saturday last, relative to cer-
tain skulls, of the extinct gigantic deer, recently found in the neigh-
bourhood of Limerick, and described in a late No. of the Gazette.
For your very kind and flattering allusion to my work on the animal
in question, T beg to offer my sincere thanks ; and, as no erroneous
statements relative to any subject, but more especially to one possess-
ing so much general interest as that of the great Irish deer, should
be suffered to remain uncorrected, I have to request your permission
to make a few remarks upon Mr. Owen's letter, which I shall do as
briefly as possible.
That Mr. Owen is a man of no ordinary ability is sufficiently attes-
ted by the brilliant position, in the world of literature and science, to
which he has attained ; but his celebrity by no means renders him in-
fallible, nor are the mere dicta of any man, however profound may be
his philosophical acquirments, to be implicitly received, far less bowed
to as oracular, until after they have been duly and thoroughly investi-
gated, and their actual bond fide value ascertained — even old Homer
will be caught napping.
Aliquando bonus dorraitat Homenis.
The eloquent Buffon fell into error, and subsequently admitted his
mistake; and the immortal Cuvier was himself deceivpd relative to
the very animal, respecting whose remains, T now feel myself reluc-
tantly compelled to assert Mr. Owen also, to be, in the present in-
stance, wholly mistaken. Mr. Owen, though a very great man, a very
profound philosopher, and a comparative anatomist of the very high-
est standing, is, surely, in none of these respects, the superior of the
mighty dead, whom I have just named, whose illustrious names shed
lustre upon the age in which they lived, and upon the country which
gave them birth ; and wThen they could be mistaken, need Mr. Owen
feel annoyed at being detected likewise in error ?
The grand question at issue, with respect to the extinct gigantic
deer, is, whether it was contemporary with man on the surface of this
globe, or whether the stupendous remains of that animal, found in so
many parts of this country, are but the relics of a former world, as yet
untrodden by a human foot, upon which man had not as yet been
placed by the creative hand of the Omnipotent Supreme. The for-
1624 Quadrupeds.
mer of these theories is an embodiment of my own opinions — the latter
represents those of Professor Owen.
Two estimable and well known citizens of Dublin, Messrs. Nolan
and Glennon, both enthusiastic in their researches after fossil remains,
found recently at Loch Gur, in the vicinity of Limerick, a quantity of
such remains, including the skulls of various animals, among which
were two or more of the extinct gigantic deer, and these skulls, those
of the deer included, presented marks of violence on the frontals, as
if they had been knocked down by the axe of some butcher of olden
time.
The fact of the skulls of the deer having been found under such
circumstances, was of course confirmatory in the highest degree of my
opinions : demonstrating the deer to have not only existed contempo-
raneously with man, but to have been probably numbered among his
domesticated animals, and, at all events, to have been slaughtered for
food. Of course, whatever support was afforded to my theory by this
singular discovery, was calculated to tell, with fatal effect, against that
of Mr. Owen; and your having been kind enough to state your con-
viction of the correctness of my views, in the article already alluded to,
called forth that letter from Professor Owen, to which it is my present
purpose to reply.
A wide difference subsists between the skull of the male and female
of the gigantic deer : the latter being destitute of horns, and the fore-
head of the former being furnished, from one temple to the other, with
a solid ridge of bone, several inches thick, designed apparently to give
support to those vast weapons, whose weight, in many specimens, ap-
proaches to one hundred pounds. The forehead of the male being
thus protected, it was of course impossible that he could be felled by
a blow of a butcher's axe ; nor would the attempt have been safe, when
his enormous power, and the formidable horns with which he was
armed, are taken into consideration. To the slaughter of the female,
however, no such obstacles presented themselves.
T am stating these circumstances for the sake of making my readers,
in the first instance, so far acquainted with the actual form and cha-
racter of the skull of the animal, as will enable them to form a correct
estimate of the question at issue.
I nowr come to these individual skulls commented upon by Profes-
sor Owen. Previous to Mr. Nolan's leaving this country for London,
he was kind enough to offer these skulls to my inspection, when I at
once pronounced them to be the skulls of females : and further stated
my conviction, that the fracture of the frontal bones had been the ef-
Quadrupeds. 1625
feet of human agency. Mr. Owen was the next who saw them, and
my readers have been already made acquainted, by his own pen, with
the conclusions at which he had arrived. These may, in brief, be
stated thus : that the skulls in question were those of males, and not
of females ; and that the small cavity which appeared in the centre of
the forehead had been produced by wrenching off the horns ! It is
thus that Mr. Owen proposes to destroy the overwhelming weight of
evidence, that would otherwise spring into existence to the utter an-
nihilation of his favourite theory. Not only, however, has the Profes-
sor failed of overturning the obvious, but certainly, awkward facts he
dreaded, but he has made the attempt precisely in such a manner as
to expose the weakness of his position, and show how untenable is his
theory.
He says — " The conclusion to which I arrived, after a careful com-
parison of these skulls with unmutilated skulls of the male and female
Megaceros in the presence of Mr. Nolan and another gentleman, is, that
they do agree in every respect [with the male head], except in the want
of horns, which have been broken off, together with a portion of the fron-
tal bone from which they grew, leaving that wide vacuity in the upper
wall of the skull cavity." My reply is, that all these statements are inac-
curate ; and I am surprised at their coming from so eminent a compar-
ative anatomist as Professor Owen. These skulls do not " agree in
every respect with the male head, except in the want of horns" — for
they do not possess the peduncles, or foot-stalks, from which the horns
in the male animal spring. The horns also of the male Giant Deer
do not grow from the frontal bone," but are attached to the peduncles
I have just mentioned, which are bony processes, springing partly
from the sides of the head, and partly from the front, flanking as it
were the strong bony fillet already described Neither is the cavity
in the centre of the forehead of the two female deer in question a wide
one.
How very few must have been the number of male skulls of this
stupendous animal, which Mr. Owen has had an opportunity of ex-
amining ; and how abnormal must have been their structure, when an
inspection of them could have suggested such extraordinary observa-
tions, as I have just quoted. It is, in the first place, next to impos-
sible to form an accurate judgment from the inspection of one or two
solitary specimens. While I write I have many dozen of these reliques
around me, and many more at my command, on an hours' notice. I
merely state this to palliate Professor Owen's mistake, and to account
1626 Quadrupeds.
for so humble an aspirant after the knowledge of nature's works, as I,
venturing on its correction.
I have already stated that the peduncles form the basis of the horns ;
that they are of one piece with the solid bony frontal ridge, and I may
just add, that around these peduncles, and at the side walls of the
skull, the bone is comparitively thin, and connected with the afore-
said ridge and peduncles, by sutures, or serrated joinings ; what then
is the inference to be drawn — inference, nay, such a word is too weak.
What is the self-evident conclusion — of course, that in the event of
sufficient force being applied to the horns, the consequence would be,
either their fracture at the thinest part of the beam, their separation
from the peduncles, the rupture of those processes, together with the
frontal ridge away from the skull, or the breaking up of the whole
head — but in no case could the effect of such violence be the produc-
tion of a small hole in the centre of the forehead. What, in Professor
Owen's assumed case, became of peduncles and ridge, and how came
it that the orbits and zygomata remained unfractured.
Any of my readers who may feel sufficiently interested in this sub-
ject may call at Mr. Glennon's shop, No. 3, Suffolk-street, Dublin,
where they will be shown the heads both of the female and of the
male of the gigantic deer; as, also, two male heads, to the horns of
which, force was applied, with a view of ascertaining the effect that
would be produced. In one instance the force had been applied to
the beam of the horns, and the consequence was their fracture where
they are united to the peduncles. In the other instance the force was
applied to the peduncles themselves, with a view to ascertain whe-
ther it was possible to wrench them and the ridge away from the fan,
the consequence was, that the skull was riven asunder, just as I have
described. Mr. Owen, while dilating so truthfully upon the strength
of this portion of the skull, seems quite to have forgotten that the same
strength which could so successfully bid defiance to the blows of the
butcher's hatchet, would as effectually resist any attempt to separate
it from the remainder of the skull without causing the rending and
separation of the entire structure.
For the sake of Mr. Owen's reputation, it is to be regretted that he
should have put forward such preposterous assertions ; and it were
also no less desirable that he should have stated whether or not he
conceived the surface of the frontals, in these skulls, to display any
evidence of having had the great frontal ridge filed down, cleft away,
or removed from it in any other manner. I do not think that Mr.
Owen's assertions require any farther refutation ; and I also dread
Quadrupeds. 1627
trespassing upon your space, but I scarcely think, that, in justice to
the subject, or to Mr. Owen, I can close my paper without one or two
other remarks.
It appears that Mr. Owen conceives these skulls to present the
sexual characters of the male, viz., greater breadth in proportion to
their length, than is to be met with in those of the female; as wrell as
more marked development of certain elevations and depressions, sup-
posed to possess a relation to the vast horns characteristic of the male
animal . Had Mr. Owen asserted these heads to be those of a mon-
ster, that is, an undeveloped male, his positions wrould have been less
extraordinary, though even had he done so, he would have been
called upon to. explain why developments connected with the presence
of horns, existed, when those horns themselves were not present to re-
quire them; as well as other matters which, should he now adopt
my suggestions, and try " on the new tack, " I shall not be backward
in adducing, — but as he has asserted that the frontal fracture was pro-
duced by wrenching off the horns, the Professor must recant that
theory before he can embark upon the new one. For my own part, I
merely observe, that the superior developments of which Professor
Owen speaks, are not uncommon, nor would he have conceived them
to be so, had he possessed an opportunity of examining a suffi-
cient number of the skulls ; for I can inform him, that the skulls of
the giant deer, both male and female, present many discrepancies from
each other, evident to any comparative anatomist, who has an oppor-
tunity of inspecting them ; nor should Mr. Owen have so soon for-
gotten the large size of these skulls, so obviously producing an in-
creased development of parts, but which he only noticed as furnishing
an inference of their belonging to the male — besides which, what had
become of the ridge and peduncles ? Had Professor Owen the ad-
vantage of examining a number of these skulls, he would also have
been more cautious in basing a theory upon a foundation so very un-
stable, as variety in size — a foundation at once unstable and unphilo-
sophic.
There are other circumstances connected with the discovery of
these remains which demand explanation from Mr. Owen, but from
all mention of which he has apparently shrunk. I allude to the fact
of these skulls having been found in company with the skulls of many
well-known domestic animals — such as the ox, the goat, the hog.
These latter skulls were similarly fractured. As also spear-heads,
hatchets, and other utensils, and chiefly of a domestic nature, among
which was a knife-handle of curious workmanship, since presented by
1628 Quadrupeds.
Mr. Nolan to that eminent archaeologist, the celebrated Crofton Cro-
ker, from whom also Mr. Nolan received the very interesting, and in
my opinion important, information, that the meaning of the name
Loch Gur, is not Lake of the Goats, but Lake of the Great As-
semblage.
Is this nothing ? Yet Professor Owen has passed over this impor-
tant fact. It was certainly an awkward one to meddle with ; but
surely to pass it over in total silence is scarcely fair, especially as it
bears so strongly on the point at issue, analogically and collaterally
supporting the other circumstances.
In conclusion, I may observe that the discovery of these heads are
further most important on the following account : — Naturalists had
hitherto been in the habit of describing a small, and comparatively
unknown skull, of which there are specimens in the British Museum
and elsewhere, as that of the female of the Megaceros. Indeed I
may add, that I, among the rest, fell into this error, which I now wil-
lingly avow. Now the true female is found. I unhesitatingly as-
sert these new heads, found at Loch Gur to be so ; and that skull
which has hitherto been regarded as such, to belong to another*
variety, of inferior size and less strongly marked development. Let
Mr. Owen go to the British Museum, and he will see another va-
riety— a male described by me some time back in the columns of this
paper. I design on a future occasion to return to this portion of the
subject ; but beg Mr. Owen first to reply to my objections.
" Facts," Mr. Editor, to employ your own words, so facetiously
reiterated by Professor Owen, "are stubborn things ; " and I leave it
to the judgment of any impartial person whether Mr. Owen has
adduced a single fact calculated to shake his belief in those de-
tailed by you in the able article which evoked his letter.
Yours, &c,
H. D. Richardson.
Additional Note by Mr. Richardson.
To the Editor of the Zoologist.
Sir, — Perceiving upon the cover of your excellent periodical for this month an an-
nouncement of your intention to republish the correspondence which recently took
place between Professor Owen and me in the ' Farmer's Gazette,' I take the liberty of
requesting your permission to correct an error into which I had inadvertently fallen,
from following, without investigation, a statement put forward by Professor Owen,
Quadrupeds. 1629
relative to the thickness of the frontal ridge in the skull of the male gigantic deer.
Mr. Owen stated this portion of the frontal bone to he four inches in thickness, and I,
not conceiving it likely that he would err in so palpable a matter, adopted his assertion
and admitted that portion of the frontals to be some inches in thickness. Sub-
sequently, however, I had sections of the skull made, and the result was that I found
the thickness to be only apparent; the portion of ridge, between the peduncles, being
only one inch and one-eighth of an inch thick ; the interior of the skull-cavity follow-
ing the course of the external protuberance. I am glad that I made these sections,
(for permission to do which, I have also to return thanks to the proprietor of the skull
so cut, Mr. Glennon), for I conceive that this furnishes an additional fact to aid in
showing the impossibility of these skulls found fractured at Loch Gur having been
those of males, and consequently is striking another blow at the foundation of Profes-
sor Owen's theory.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your's, &c.
H. D. Richardson.
[I am quite content to leave to Mr. Richardson the task of defending
the so-called female skulls scientifically and philosophically : I am too
well acquainted with Professor Owen's knowledge of comparative
anatomy to enter into a contest in which I must appear in the wrong.
Nevertheless, having advanced an opinion, which I have no reason to
rescind ; and seeing, moreover, that Professor Owen treats the matter
with that winning pleasantry which is so natural to him while de-
fending any hypothesis he may have been pleased to broach; I
believe it consistent with my editorial capacity to continue a discus-
sion that seems so agreeable to all the parties concerned. Let us for
the present regard the question of sex as a moot point open for the
consideration of the learned, and consider the question of fracture
independently of sex. But first a word on the general question of
antiquity. Professor Owen must be acquainted with Mr. Wilde's
paper, published in the first volume of the Royal Irish Academy's Re-
port, and recording the discovery of a vast quantity of skulls and other
bones, principally of horned cattle, deer, goats and swine, near the
village of Dunshaughlin. The skulls presented the marks of frontal
fracture already described, and in one of them was actually found the
head of the instrument with which the fracture was supposed to have
been made. Now no doubt has yet been raised as to the cause of
the death of these animals : it is universally attributed to the frontal
fracture, and again, that frontal fracture is attributed to the hand of
man. Should any one incline to contest this, and contend for their
pre-adamite existence, let him read Mr. Wilde's account of the recep-
tacle in which they were deposited : —
" About a mile to the east of the village of Dunshaughlin, on the
v K
1630 Quadrupeds.
townland at Lagore, and near the margin of a " cut-away " black
bog, is a circular mound, slightly raised above the surrounding plain,
its highest central part being about eight feet above the margin, and
the circumference of the mound measuring 520 feet. A small stream
passes through this circle ; and the whole bog in which it is situate
occupies a slight concavity of about a mile and half in circumference,
bounded by raised tillage and pasture lands. Within the memory of
some of the old inhabitants of the neighbourhood, this bog was covered
with water during the greater part of the year, and it is so invariably
during winter, up to the present period. A large pond is still in ex-
istence in one of the fields adjoining the mound. (Mr. Wilde ex-
hibited a map of the mound and the surrounding country). A few
years ago, some labourers, while clearing the stream-way, discovered
several bones protruding from its sides ; and in May, 1839, the quan-
tity of bones found in the drain was so great, and their value so well
known, that a further examination was made, when it was discovered
that the greater part of the mound was composed of the remains of
animals, placed there in the following manner —
" The circumference of the circle was formed by upright posts of
black oak, measuring from six to eight feet in height; these were
mortised into beams of a similar material, laid flat upon the marl and
sand beneath the bog, and nearly sixteen feet below the present sur-
face. The upright posts were held together by connecting cross
beams, and fastened by large iron nails ; parts of a second upper tier
of posts were likewise found resting on the lower ones. The space
thus inclosed was divided into separate compartments, by septa or
divisions that intersected one another in different directions ; these
were also formed of oaken beams, in a state of great preservation, but
joined together with greater accuracy than the former, and in some
cases having their sides grooved or rabbetted to admit large panels
driven down between them. The interior of the chambers so formed
were filled with bones and black moory earth, and the heap of bones
was raised up in some places within a foot of the surface. It was
generally found that the remains of each species of animal were placed
in separate divisions, with but little intermixture with any other ; and
the antiquities, &c, wrere found along with them, without any order or
regularity, but for the most part near the bottom."
Mr. Wilde does not mention the presence of the giant deer among
these remains, but I am credibly informed that it occurs there, although
the horns have not yet been found. T have not before me the exact
date of Mr. Wilde's paper, but, being in Dublin in the autumn of
Quadrupeds. 1631
1839, I had an opportunity of seeing some of the skulls, and as far as
I recollect, the discovery was then a very recent event. The skulls of
cattle are not identical with those now domesticated in Ireland, and
serious doubts were entertained by the most eminent naturalists, as to
what species of Bos they could with propriety be referred. Similar
skulls have been found in various parts of Ireland, and now again
occur at Lough Gur, as recorded in the Zoologist (Zool. 1591). The
manner in which these bones have been buried, the frontal fracture
when it occurs, and the concomitant presence of human implements,
all point to the conclusion, that the living cattle were at some period
co-existent with man, although we are at present without any suf-
ficient clew to the exact date of this co-existence. I could, without
difficulty, mention a number of instances in which the bones of these
extinct breeds of cattle and those of giant deer have occurred together,
but as this is debatable ground, I will only cite the recent instance
at Lough Gur : can there exist a sceptic on this point ? And if not,
we may proceed a step further : the bones of the deer and the cattle
not only occur in company, in similar situations and under similar cir-
cumstances, but their condition is similar, they all still contain that
large proportion of animal matter, which implies the comparatively
modern date of their existence. This has to be accounted for, and
we find that " the presence of animal matter, and the peculiarly
fresh and recent appearances of these remains, is to be attributed
to the antiseptic properties of the turf or bog in which they are
found." This seems rational, but why should it apply solely to
the giant deer ? Why not to the slaughtered oxen ? Why not to
the slaughtered swine ? Why not to human bodies ? Why are not
all organic remains thus preserved alike pre-adamite ? Professor
Owen seems to have caught a glimpse of this argument ; at any rate,
he has found that the bog is not quite old enough for the purpose; he
therefore removes the deer-bones beyond the reach of bog and bog-
water, and thus loses the benefit of their " antiseptic properties : " he
" met with no person who had seen them in the peat itself," they were
invariably " dug out of the lacustrine shell-marl beneath the peat or
bog-earth." My readers will doubtless see how diametrically opposed
are these two ways of establishing the antiquity of the bones under
consideration ! Now for the frontal facture. Here are certain skulls of
deer, cattle and swine found in company, and so similar in their state
of preservation, that the most skilful geologist cannot decide on the
greater antiquity of either : all these animals have a manifest frontal
fracture, and the apertures are so similar that they might all have
1632 Quadrupeds.
been made by one instrument. It will be seen from Professor Owen's
letter, that he singles out the giant deer for a hypothesis of his own :
this is quite fair on his part, because the debate refers to them only,
and not to the cattle or swine : the hypothesis is that the hole in the
forehead was made by wrenching off the horns. This appears strange
even as applied to the two disputed skulls, but I shall not debate the
matter, because I have no doubt that I should be defeated in any at-
tempt I might make to show the improbability of a central frontal
fracture being caused by wrenching off the horns. I wish to take a
more general view of the case : side by side with the skulls of the
deer are those of bullocks, with similar fractures, and I of course seek a
similar solution for them ; but unfortunately, the slug or bony base of
the horn is still present in these skulls, so that the horns of the bul-
locks can scarcely have been wrenched off. Again, the frontal frac-
tures occur in the skulls of swine, and surely in this animal they could
not proceed from the same cause ! I will not however make too sure
of this, since I am not perfectly fearless of a hypothetical porker
adorned with antlers ( Ceratochcerus ramosissimus), seing how valu-
able an auxiliary he would be in support of the wrenching hypothe-
sis ! But supposing the frontal fractures in all their marvellous and
workman-like uniformity could be occasioned by wrenching off the
horns of deer, bullocks, and Ceratochceri, may I venture to ask by
what power was the wrenching operation achieved in those pre-
adamite ages ? Was it the effect of wind or wave ? Was it by mus-
cular exertion ; and if muscular, was the agent beast, or bird, or rep-
tile, or fish ? Reader ! listen ! a hypothetical rhinoceros has been
got up, who, with a talent peculiar to his country, is to play into Pro-
fessor Owen's hands, by rushing pell-mell among Milesian bulls and
pigs, and sticking his nasal horn into the very centre of their
frontals; and all this is for the purpose of showing that Professor
Owen's wrenching hypothesis is perfectly plausible, and in the
highest degree probable ! — E. N.]
[P.S. — I have received most extraordinary letters since this matter
was noticed in the Preface to the 'Zoologist.' The first of them,
which might really be made a fair ground for an action at law, after
informing me that the ultra-scientific world in general, and the
ultra-scientific writer in particular, are highly incensed at my
"having dared to express opinions at variance with those of Pro-
fessor Owen," actually goes on to threaten that means will be used
(in the words of a great civic authority) to "put down" the ' Zoolo-
Mr. Crowther. 1633
gist ' ! The writer is respectfully informed that when it becomes
necessary to suppress truth or conceal opinions in order to obtain a
sale for the ' Zoologist,' I will take into consideration the propriety of
doing so, and publish his letter, which virtually recommends such a
course, as a prelude to this change in the plan of management].
[2nd P.S. — A long letter has just reached me from Mr. Glennon ;
I extract this interesting passage. — " I have lately obtained a skull of
the giant deer, with portions of fatty matter, flesh and skin still at-
tached to the forehead and lower part of the head ; the fatty matter
bore the impression of coarse hair, and burned readily when held in
the flame of a candle." Other extracts from this letter will be made
hereafter. — E. N.~]
Notice of the late Mr. Croivther, of Manchester. — The death of this remarkable man
is doubtless known to most readers of the ' Zoologist,' but probably few are acquainted
with the extent of his merits, both as an entomologist and a botanist. He had acquired,
under unfavourable circumstances, a great amount of knowledge, although, as fre-
quently happens, others contrived to reap the credit of his researches. In conjunction
with his friend E. Hobson, Roland Detrosier, and a few others, he took part in the
formation of the Banksian Society, a body of naturalists chiefly from amongst the
working classes, which flourished for some years. Afterwards it was united with the
Manchester Mechanics' Institution, where its weekly meetings were held for some time.
Latterly, however, they have, as I am told, been discontinued, and the Museum
chiefly, if not entirely, dispersed, owing to the growing rage for light literature and
amusements. As was stated in the Manchester Guardian, several of the scientific
companions of the deceased still survive, and are at once a pleasing and a painful
sight. It is pleasing to see, in men whose days are consumed by manual labour, such
a love for natural science, and such great acquirements, — so great, indeed, that if
honours were always awarded according to merit, many an F.R.S. (not forgetting the
author of ' Errors in Chemistry, &c.'), would have to yield precedence to these rustic
philosophers. At the same time it is painful that such talents should be so little fos-
tered and appreciated. There is in Lancashire an astonishing love for science : within
a few miles I could point out entomologists, botanists, chemists, mathematicians, of
sterling merit, amongst the working classes, many of whom, if they had access to
books, museums, &c, must have held distinguished positions ; but turned upon Na-
ture, as they too often are, without other guide than their own powers of observation,
and compelled to discover anew for themselves much that is already known, can we
wonder that their progress is not greater, or that they frequently take up erroneous and
antiquated views ? It was at one time hoped that the Mechanics' Institutions would
have afforded such men the needful aid and guidance, but they seem at present more
engaged with frivolity than with scieuce. — /. W. Slater.
1634 Quadrupeds.
Remark on a passage in the * Fauna of Moray J by the Rev. G. Gordon. — On looking
over, a short time ago, the Paper bearing the above title, which appeared in an early
number of the ' Zoologist,' I was surprised to find the reverend writer, in speaking of
the rabbit, reiterating what he is pleased to call the " wise resolution " of Sir Eobert
Peel, who is reported to have said, whilst addressing his tenantry, " I consider it to be
the duty of every landlord to make some sacrifice of his personal pleasures for the
tenant fanner : " (so far well) ; and " I have no hesitation in saying, that I shall be
pleased that there is no one single rabbit on the whole of my property — T will do
everything I can for their destruction." As an argument against such wholesale and
unqualified destruction, let me refer Mr. Gordon to the few following sentences se-
lected from an eminent writer (Smellie), and the truth of which will be at once felt by
every naturalist of thinking and philosophical mind. "To men of observation and
reflection, it is apparent that all the beings on this earth, whether animals or vegetables,
have a mutual connexion and a mutual dependence on each other. There is a gra-
duated scale or chain of existence, not a link of which, however seemingly insignifi-
cant, could be broken, without affecting the whole. Superficial men, or which is the
same thing, men who avoid the trouble of serious thinking, wonder at the design of
producing certain insects and reptiles. But they do not consider that the annihilation
of any one of these species, though some of them are inconvenient and even noxious
to man, would make a blank in Nature, and prove destructive to other species which
feed upon them. These, in their turn, would be the cause of destroying other species,
and the system of devastation would gradually proceed, till man himself would be ex-
tirpated, and leave this earth destitute of all animation." — Thomas Worthington Bar-
low ; Holmes Chapel, near Middlewich, July, 1846.
Hedgehog devouring Eggs. — About six weeks ago a gentleman in this town who
keeps poultry, was surprised to find, two or three days in succession, a diminution in
the number of eggs laid by his fowls. It occurred to him that a polecat or weasel
might be the cause of these depredations : this induced him to watch, and on the first
night, hearing a noise among the fowls, he entered their dormitory, when the whole
mystery was immediately solved, for there he saw a hedgehog in the act of devouring
an egg, which the animal endeavoured to conceal under its body upon his approach.
The little pilferer was captured, and permitted to enjoy his liberty, though at some
distance from the scene of his late festivities. I do not know what the defenders of
this interesting creature may think of the fact I have related ; I must own it has led
me to conclude that there is a great deal of truth in the accusations brought against
this animal by the mass of gamekeepers. — E. J. R. Hughes ; Catherine Street, White-
haven, August \Ath, 1846.
The Stoat carrying Eggs. — The following anecdote seems to me interesting, as
explaining in some degree the mode in which eggs are so mysteriously moved, without
breaking, by small predatory animals. The narrator, who is a very accurate observer,
declared to me that he has the most perfect recollection of the facts. Mr. Edward
Hunt was walking with a brother of his near Cheltenham, some thirty years ago, when
they saw a stoat cross the road, carrying something white between its chin and its
breast : upon their running up it dropped its burden, which proved to be a full-sized
hen's egg ; examining it, they could not detect the slightest marks of teeth upon the
shell. They put it down again, and retired to a little distance, when the stoat re-
turned, and carried it, in the same manner as before, up a high bank and through a
hedge. The egg appeared to be held by the head and neck, without being carried at
Quadrupeds . 1635
all by the fore paws of the animal, which were used in running. This story is less
marvellous than the old one of the rats using one of their companions, lying on his
back, as a sledge, and his tail as the harness. — J. Wolley ; 26, Mount Street, Grosve-
nor Square, November 20th, 1846.
Anecdote of a Kitten swallowing a Steel Skewer. — A circumstance has lately come
under my notice, which you may perhaps deem worthy of a place in the * Zoologist,'
although it appears to me of so extraordinary a nature, that unless I had known it as
a fact I think I should have been inclined to disbelieve it. A black kitten, in the
house in which I resided, had appeared for several days to be very unwell, and was
continually straining, as if to get something up from its throat which was incommoding
it. This (as I said) continued for some time ; when a gentleman one day, while ex-
amining it, perceived, about two inches below the chin, a hard point projecting almost
through the skin. This at first he thought must be a bone, but upon further exami-
nation it appeared to be a steel point, which he easily forced through the skin, and
after making a small incision about it he could draw it further out, which he did ; and
to his surprise it proved to be a steel skewer of more than seven inches in length, which,
as is usual, had a small ring at the end of it ; it had also a small piece of string at-
tached to it, on which I suppose the kitten had found a piece of meat. In trying to
swallow this, it must have got the skewer so far in its throat that it could not get rid
of it again. The kitten is now thriving, and promises to be a fine cat. — E. E. Mont-
ford ; East Winch, near Lynn, Norfolk, December 28th, 1846.
Occurrence of Scotophilus serotinus at Folkestone. — While staying at Folkestone,
in the latter end of August and beginning of September, I noticed bats, of a rather
large size, very plentiful ; having obtained a few specimens, I found they differed
notably from the Noctula, the commonest of our large-sized bats. On showing them
to Mr. Gray, of the British Museum, he pronounced them to be the serotinus. I be-
lieve the only hitherto recorded British locality for that species is the neighbourhood
of London. — H. N. Turner, Jan.; 1, Upper Belgrave Place, Pimlico, November 23rd,
1846.
Habits of Roman Dogs. — " As we are on the subject of dogs, I may as well notice
some particulars of the habits of this animal in connexion with the general subject.
Louis* Bonaparte (Prince of Canino), brother-in-law of Mr. Wyse, and rival of
Charles Waterton in knowledge of brute instincts, has drawn the attention of natu-
ralists to the system of life pursued by the dogs of Rome. You are aware that no
sewerage exists here, except the cloaca maxima ; and that, having no regular dustmen
or street contractors, the inhabitants are accustomed to throw out the garbage and
refuse of their houses, which is deposited generally in some blind corner appointed for
that purpose by the police, and decorated with a large inscription on the wall, Immon-
dezzaio, i. e. ' rubbish shot here.' It appears that though several hundreds of these
established depots exist in Rome, not one is unappropriated, but has become, by
usurpation or regular transfer, the fee-simple of some particular dog, who will not
suffer his rights of flotsam and jetsam to be invaded by any squatter or new comer, but
rules supreme master of the dung-heap he has acquired. Some cases of co-partner-
ship in a corner have been observed, but generally with brothers on the death of the
parent ; and desperate battles occur occasionally about ' fixity of tenure,' as in Tippe-
* So in original, but certainly Charles Lucien.
1636 Birds.
rary. The unsuccessful claimant, on ejectment, has no resource but the general run
of the streets : —
' Heu ! magnum alterius frustra spectabit acervum ! ' "
— From a letter dated " Rome, Jan. 28," in the Daily News of Feb. 8, 1847.
Anecdote of American Pigs. — " As we approached a farm on the American side of
the St. Clair river, belonging to the captain of our steamer, a curious fact fell under
my observation : the pigs belonging to the farm came squealing down to the water-
side, a thing which the persons at the farm assured me they never did when other
steamers passed. The captain explained this singular recognition on the part of the
pigs by stating that the swill of his steamer was always preserved for them ; and that
on reaching the landing-place, it was immediately put on shore to feed them. The
animals, having been accustomed to this valuable importation during the whole sum-
mer months, had learned to distinguish the peculiar sound which the steam made in
rushing through the pipe of the steamer ; and as they could do this at the distance of
half a mile, they immediately upon hearing it hastened down to the river, whilst the
noise made by the other steamers was disregarded. This is a curious instance of the
possibility of sharpening the faculties of the lower animals by an appeal to their appe-
tites ; and a conclusive proof that the readiest way to make all swinish animals rea-
sonable, is to provide plenty of swill for them." — FeatherstonhaugKs ' Canoe Voyage up
the Minnay Sotor,' i. 125.
An Unicorn. — A few days ago, while the workmen on the Newcastle and Berwick
Railway were excavating a portion of the line near to Bothal Castle, they found a
skeleton of an animal having a single horn growing from the centre of the forehead.
The workmen made a present of it to Mr. John Cragg, watchmaker, Morpeth. — New-
castle Advertiser.
Dates of the arrival of Summer Birds at Selsey, Sussex, in 1845 and 1846.
1845.
Redstart, Phamicura ruticilla.
Hoopoe, Upupa epops.
Willow warbler, Sylvia trochilus.
Wryneck, Yunx torquilla.
Nightingale, Philomela luscinia.
Martin, Hirundo urbica.
Chimney swallow, Hirundo rustica.
Yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava.
Whinchat, Saxicola rubetra.
Reed warbler, Salicaria arundinacea.
Sedge warbler, Salicaria phragmitis.
1846.
Wheatear, Saxicola cenanthe.
Nightingale, Philomela luscinia.
Blackcap warbler, Curruca atricapilla.
Willow warbler, Sylvia trochilus.
April 7th.
„ 10th.
„ 11th.
„ 12th.
„ 20th.
„ 21st.
„ 21st.
„ 21st.
„ 22nd.
„ 23rd.
May 1st.
April 20th.
., 20th.
„ 23rd.
„ 24th.
Birds. 1637
April 24th. Chimney swallow, Hirundo rustica.
24th. Whinchat, Saxicola rubetra.
24th. Yellow wagtail, Motacilla Jlava.
24th. Reed warbler, Salicaria arundinacea.
24th. Chiff-chaff, Sylvia hippolais.
24th. Lesser whitethroat, Curruca sylviella.
25th. Wryneck, Yunx torquilla.
26th. Sedge warbler, Salicaria phragmitis.
26th. Martin, Hirundo urbica.
— F. A. Chennell ; Guildford, Surrey.
Notes of Birds in Brazil. — " The notes of birds were of course as varied as their
kinds, that of the parrot tribe being particularly disagreeable, not unlike that of the
English rook ; but the sound which most particularly caught my ear, was the mono-
tonous and distinct cry of the Bem-te-ve, a bird about the size, shape, and colour of
the thrush. This name has been given to it from the resemblance of its note to the
Portuguese, signifying ' I see you well,' which it repeats in quick succession." — ' Tra-
vels in the Interior of Brazil, by George Gardner, F.L.S.*
Occuirrence of Rare Birds near Ipswich. — Long-tailed duck (Anas glacialis). A
fine young male came into my possession two months since, during very mild weather:
he was killed at Aldborough, where this species is considered very rare ; indeed it is
never seen on this coast except in extremely cold weather.
Common bittern (Botaurus stellaris). Several specimens have been obtained in
Norfolk and Suffolk, during the late severe weather; one, a female, in beautiful
plumage, came into my hands soon after it was killed.
White-tailed eagle (Haliaetos Albicilla). A fine example of this somewhat rare
bird was shot on the coast while preying on a common gull. The specimen, which is
now in my possession, was presented to the Ipswich Museum.
Little auk (Mergulus Alle). Several instances of the occurrence of this species
on our coast, and even far inland, have lately come to my knowledge. One, in my
own collection, was found exhausted not far from this town. — F. W. Johnson, Surgeon;
Ipswich, Suffolk.
Adult Male Sparrow-Hawk in plumage of Female. — Towards the end of September
a highly valued friend in Hertfordshire sent me a fine specimen of the common spar-
row-hawk (Accipiter Nisus). It had the plumage common to the female and young
male, but was of the size of the former, which I presumed it to be. On opening it,
it proved to be male. — H. N. Turner, Jun. ; 1, Upper Belgrave Place, Pimlico, Nov.
2'Srd, 1846.
Occurrence of the Great Gray Shrike at Downham. — A female specimen of the
great gray shrike ( Lanius Excubitor) was killed near here tha beginning of this
month. Several specimens have been obtained in this neighbourhood during the last
twelve months. — C. B. Hunter ; Downham, Norfolk, November 23rd, 1847.
Observations on the Cuckoo. — Mr. Beech, a bird-stuffer in Droylsden, gives the fol-
lowing remarkable particulars concerning the young of the cuckoo. Having noticed
a cuckoo's egg in the nest of a " peet " (meadow pipit), he determined to watch in what
manner the eggs or young of the pipit would be removed. Coming up to the nest
one day he found the old birds absent, the young cuckoo in sole occupation of the
nest, and two young pipits on the ground outside. As the cuckoo seemed far too
feeble to have ejected them, he replaced the two young birds in the nest, and hid him-
V L
1638 Birds.
self near at hand to await the result. The parent birds soon returned, and immedi-
ately threw out their own offspring to make room for the parasite. This statement
differs widely from the common opinion, and deserves closer investigation. — J. W.
Slater ; Manchester.
Nudity of the base of the Rook's beak. — Mr. Waterton's rook began to drop the
bristles at the base of the bill, in the autumn of its birth, without being allowed to dig.
A rook hatched last May, passed its autumnal moult, shedding its nasal feathers,
which were perfectly renewed in due time : early in December these new feathers
began to fall off slowly, beginning at the very base, while those farthest from the root
are, even now, shining, clean, and otherwise perfect, although the bird has always had
the range of a garden, in which it has dug many pits, deeper than its own bill, and its
constant amusement is to root up every flower which it can master, and that, on an
average, was all of them. On the whole, I should think that it had as much practice
at delving, as any rook in the shire : how comes it that Yarrell scouts the idea of the
nudity being an " original peculiarity ?" — Henri/ Daniell ; Lambert House, Bath, Jan.
14th, 1847.
Robins at Sea. — A lady, now with us, who has just returned from India, by way of
Alexandria, on board the Erin, says, " that during nearly the whole of the passage
from Malta, there have been numbers of robins daily alighting on the decks, and en-
tering the port-holes. They appeared to be quite exhausted, and freely allowed them-
selves to be taken." The lady well knows what a robin is, or I should have thought
her mistaken as to the bird's identity. Has such a fact ever been noticed before ? I
think one of your correspondents in the * Zoologist' was making some odd supposition
and query as to what became of the old robins. I have not time just now to hunt it
up, but if I am right that such was the case, and if my friend has not mistaken some
other bird for the robin, it seems to be pretty clear they migrate, which will be a suf-
ficient answer to your correspondent. I forget what day she sailed from Malta, but
she arrived at the Mother Bank on the 10th of this month, and the robins appeared on
the decks right up to the coast of Britain. — Henry Deane ; Clapham, Nov. 13th, 1846.
Occurrence of the Fire-crested Regulus near Truro. — The occurrence of three ex-
amples within the last month of this interesting species, in the neighbourhood of
Truro, was made known to me by Mr. J. S. Passmore, of Truro, two of which I had
an opportunity of examining on Tuesday last. One of these had been obtained on the
morning of my visit, and Mr. Passmore informed me that he was pretty sure of
getting another which he saw in the same locality. The individuals I inspected were
a male and female ; the crest of the latter had a greater portion of the orange red than
the female, which I reported to you some time past as having passed into my posses-
sion, exhibits, — the colour of which is lemon yellow. I conclude, therefore, that the
red crest in the female is assumed by more adult birds. — Edward Hearle Rodd ; Pen-
zance, January \3th, 1847.
Occurrence of the White-winged Crossbill in Cumberland. — I saw male and female
adult birds of this species, and a young male bird, that were shot by Mr. Thomas Bond,
of Swinstead House, near Brampton, Cumberland ; he succeeded in shooting nine
specimens, I believe five males and four females, in company with the common crossbill.
The occurrence of this rare species may be interesting to some of your ornithological
readers, which induces me to forward the information. — James B. Hodgkinson ; Pres-
ton, November 28th, 1846.
Late stay of Swallows and Martins at Springfield, Warwickshire. — On the 18th of
Birds. 1639
November last, I observed a number of Hirundines, as many as fifteen or twenty,
sporting at some height in the air over the Ponds at Springfield, near Temple Balsall in
this county. From their distance, I was not able satisfactorily to ascertain which spe-
cies of our three common swallows these birds belonged to, but my impression is that
they were chiefly house martins ( Hirundo urbica) ; one however, out of the number,
I feel no hesitation in saying, was a common swallow (H. rustica). I have fre-
quently seen single individuals of our Hirundines much later in the year than the 18th
of November, but never before recollect to have seen so great a number together at
that late period. I may add that several specimens of the hawfinch ( Coccothraustes
vulgaris) have been shot here this winter, and many more seen. — William Bree, B.A.;
Allesley, January 2nd, 1847.
Swallows in January. — I myself saw in the afternoon of January 18th, 1837, on
New Miller Dam, near Wakefield, three swallows sporting and dipping and hawking
as in the midst of summer : the day was very mild and still. — /. Johnson, Jun., Col-
legiate School, Huddersjield, November 24th, 1846.
Note on the rearing of Kingfishers.* — When a boy, being esteemed a great con-
noisseur in birds, two men brought to me a nest of young kingfishers, consisting of
five or six, I forget which ; I well remember they had no feathers, and you could
scarcely perceive the stubbs in the wing, where the feathers first make their appear-
ance. They were what the boys at school used to call single -stubbed. I should con-
ceive they could not be more than a week or a few days old. I gave them nothing but
minnows to eat, and with that food alone, they were reared till they got their wings,
and flew away. I shall forbear to mention the quantity of minnows the birds ate in
the twenty-four hours, as it would appear to exceed all credibility. The men who
brought them to me were digging chalk, and observed the kingfishers going in and
out of a hole in the chalk-pit, and as they told me, the nest was found nearly a yard
in from the outer opening. — Philip Henry Poole ; Littleton Farm, 20th June, 1828.
Habits of the Kingfisher. — In an interesting notice of the habits of the kingfisher,
in the December number of the Zoologist, p. 1551, Dr. Morris mentions the propen-
sity of the bird, in certain situations, to suspend itself in the air, and hover like a kes-
trel over the water, before it seizes its prey ; and this he considers a deviation from the
bird's usual habits. I beg to state, that this hovering in the air in search of food, is
by no means an unusual thing with the kingfisher. Even in this midland county the
bird may occasionally be seen playing the kestrel over our rivers and smaller brooks,
where there is no no lack of twigs, bushes, &c, on which to sit in ambush for its prey,
if it preferred doing so. I once saw a kingfisher poise itself in the air, and hover for
some seconds over the river Blvth, five or six feet above the surface, when on a sud-
den it dropped like a stone into the water, and brought up a moderate sized bleak, with
which it flew a short distance to the root of a neighbouring tree, and there giving the
bleak one turn in its bill, swallowed it whole with the greatest apparent ease. I should
not have supposed it possible, had I not been an eye-witness of the fact, that so small
a bird would have swallowed a fish of the size, or stowed it away wholesale in its sto-
mach. The kingfisher, it is well known, is a shy bird ; but the quiet patient angler
has sometimes an opportunity of making a very near inspection of its ways and doings.
Once when I was angling, and standing quite still among the bushes by the side of a
* Communicated by the Rev. G. T. Rudd, M.A.
1640 Birds.
stream, a kingfisher came and settled on the bank close at my feet ; and a near rela-
tive of my own, on a like occasion, had a kingfisher actually come and perch on his
angle-rod. There is one habit of the kingfisher, which has often struck me : I mean
the instinctive pleasure it seems to take in flying over water, and this, not in search of
its prey only, which lives in that element, but, as it should seem, unnecessarily, and
for the mere sake of doing so. I have repeatedly observed, that even when alarmed,
and fleeing from the object of its fear, the bird will go out of its way, as I may say, in
order to fly over the surface of water, rather than continue a straight course over dry
land. There is a sequestered lane in this county, with which, in my youth, I was
very familiar, and which afforded an excellent field for the exhibition of this pro-
pensity of the kingfisher. The lane was perfectly straight for a considerable distance,
and on either side of it, there were at intervals, several narrow pits of water by the
hedge-side, or one might call them broad ditches. These were the usual haunts of a
kingfisher. On starting the bird, as I have very many times done, from one of these
pits, I used to observe that it invariably flew over the water till it came to the end of
the pit, then suddenly crossing the lane, almost at a right angle, it skimmed along over
another pit on the opposite side, and then crossed back again to the side whence it
started, for the sole purpose, as it should seem, of passing over the surface of another
of these pits ; for the bird, on these occasions, was not in the pursuit of prey, but
alarmed at my approach, was hurrying away from supposed danger ; and yet, instead
of going off the shortest way, in a straight line, it would (as I have said) cross and re-
cross the lane, apparently with no other object in view than the pleasure to be derived
from travelling over water, rather than over dry land. Whether the kingfisher in any
degree feels a sort of security when water is beneath it, or whether, on an emergency,
it ever drops into it in order to escape a sudden danger, as the wild duck and some
other water birds are known to do, is more than I will venture to say ; but the fact
above recorded, I have repeatedly witnessed. Probably it is this propensity of passing
over water, added to its kestrel-like performances, that may have given rise to the
fabled notion of the kingfisher's delighting to view its own reflection in the surface of
that element. — W. T. Bree ; Allesley Rectory, near Coventry, January 18th, 1847.
Occurrence of the Gray Phalarope (P. lobatus), near Chipping Norton. — Five indi-
viduals of this species have lately been seen in this neighbourhood, three of which
were shot. I have two of them, one an old male, the other appears to be a young bird
of the year ; all were seen on the water during the late floods. — Thomas Goatley, Chip-
ping Norton.
Occurrence of the Gray Phalarope at Wretham. — The keeper of W. Birch, Esq., of
Wretham Hall, observed four phalaropes (probably gray) on the pond belonging to the
farm at Fowl Mere, on the Wretham estate. They were swimming about quite tame
with the ducks belonging to the farm. The keeper's mother, who lives at the farm,
thought them snipes, and said they had been there for the last three weeks, and had
become quite tame. She wished him not to shoot them. Soon after, he shot one (an
immature gray phalarope), out of four, on a Mere close to Wretham Hall. Most
likely these were the same as were observed on the pond, as they disappeared about
the same time. The pond is close to the house and road. — C. B. Hunter ; Downham,
Norfolk, January 6th, 1847.
A tame Snipe. — It seems to be not generally known, that the common snipe (Sco-
lopax Gallinago) is capable of being domesticated. Bewick, in his ' History of British
Birds,' makes no allusion to the subject. In YarrelPs work, bearing the same title, it
Birds. 1641
is incidentally mentioned (vol. ii. p. 608), that " a snipe, slightly wounded in the
pinion, which was kept in confinement for some time hy Mr. Blyth, would eat nothing
but earthworms." Whether any other naturalist has succeeded in preserving the ani-
mal alive, I am unable to say. On Friday, the 30th of October, while some men were
out in the fields in this neighbourhood, amusing themselves with catching small birds
with a fly-net, they secured a full-grown snipe, which came into my possession on the
following day. The head was partially denuded of feathers, in consequence of the
bird having struggled against the bars of a cage, through impatience at being con-
fined. However, it made no effort to escape when held in the hand, and would even
stand quietly on the knee, drink water out of a glass, and fish up worms from the bot-
tom. I have now had this singular pet for more than two months, and, to all appear-
ance, it is perfectly reconciled to its novel mode of life. During the late continuance
of severe frost, there seemed every probability of its dving of hunger, as earthworms
were not to be procured, and, like the specimen noticed by Mr. Yarrell, it at first re-
fused to take any other kind of nourishment ; however, necessity soon prevailed, inso-
much that the raw flesh of the hare and rabbit, together with tripe cut into narrow
strips, have been taken into favour, but the ordinary kinds of butchers' meat are re-
jected. Earthworms remain decidedly the favourite article of diet, and of these it
consumes a quart in three or four days. The habits of this creature are surprisingly
familiar, considering its commonly supposed irreclaimable nature. During the night
it reposes quietly in a cage, standing on one leg, with the head under the wing. By
day, however, a desire to be enlarged is signified by an incessant striking of the bill
and head against its prison wires. When released, it flies about the rooms and pas-
sages, walks on the table, is pleased at being noticed by those about it, and is on terms
of great intimacy with a little spaniel lap-dog. No situation appears to accord so well
with the animal's ideas of comfort as a place on a stool before the fire. Thus accom-
modated to its liking, and especially if at the same time fondled with the voice and
hand, or enjoying the close proximity of its canine associate, it emits a subdued
whistling note, sometimes, but very rarely, varied with an approach to a twitter. The
food is usually given to it in a glass of water. Wherever the vessel is placed, all that
is requisite to secure prompt attendance is to scrape against the edge with a metallic
substance. In feeding, it has great difficulty in seizing a worm, or any substance of
similar form, that may happen to be lying on a flat surface.. After repeated unsuc-
cessful attempts, the morsel is at last got lengthwise between the mandibles, and dis-
appears. Strangers are readily distinguished from the people of the house, as shown
by an evident difference of manner indicative of alarm, manifested in their presence.
Should any one be too rude in his advances, the bird, in endeavouring to avoid him,
has a peculiar way of erecting the tail feathers and turning them all in the opposite
direction. It likes to be kept clean, and devotes frequent attention to the smooth and
orderly arrangement of the plumage. Although, in the opinion, at least, of Milne-
Edwards, the visage of the genus Scolopax bears the stamp of stupidity (leur aspect
denote la stupidite), some of the foregoing circumstances indicate the possession of as
large a share of intelligence on the part of the present convert to civilisation, as most
of the feathered race are capable of testifying by their actions to our apprehension.
The specimen is now in the Earl of Derby's aviary at Knowsley. — C. Cogswell, M.D.;
Warrington, January 8th, 1847.
Occurrence of the Scaup Duck near Godalming. — A fine specimen of the scaup
duck (Anas marila) was shot on a large piece of water, close to Milford House, near
1642 Birds.
Godalming, Surrey, on the 8th of December, 1846. — W. W. Spicer ; Puttenham,
January 27th, 1847.
Ducks hatched in Trees. — I observed numerous wood-ducks (Anas sponsa) fly out
of the trees : this beautiful bird often hatches in their tops, and conducts its young to
the water in its bill. — FeatherstonhaugK's ' Canoe Voyage J ii. 209.
Occurrence of the Glaucous Gull at Ramsgate. — Whilst staying a few days at
Ramsgate, I saw two examples of young glaucous gulls ( Larus Glaucus), one of
which I succeeded in shooting. The occurrence of this description of gull is by no
means common in this part of the country. — D. Henry Fry ; The Willows , Upton,
Essex, December 16th, 1846.
Occurrence of the Little Auk near Downham. — Four specimens of the little auk
have been picked up dead in the neighbourhood during December. — C. B. Hunter,
Downham, January 6th, 1847.
Occurrence of the Little Auk near Durham. — " A fine specimen of the little auk
(Mergulus melanoleucos ) was shot on Monday last by Mr. Hunter, on the River Wear
near Durham : it is a native of Iceland, and seldom quits its native haunts except
when driven away by storms or severe weather : it has occasionally been met with on
the coast, but this is only the second instance that it has been found so far inland." —
Newcastle Journal, December 5th, 1846.
Occurrence of the Little Auk in the Moray Firth. — A numerous flock of these emi-
grants of the feathered tribe, from the Polar regions, made their appearance in the
Moray Firth last week. Although they must have endured many buffeting storms
during their long flight, yet they were by no means exhausted, as birds of their class
are when driven far from the spot where they are bred. Every stream and burn
falling into the frith was discovered to have some of the active little divers, and so
careless were they of the presence of man, that in some instances they were taken alive,
while others are said to have been found in the interior of houses. Wilson appears to
have seen very few of them in America, yet his description is nearly as accurate as if
taken from the specimens before us, which are about nine inches in length, and four-
teen in extent of wings ; the bill, the upper part of the head, back, wings, and tail, are
black ; upper part of the breast and round the back of the head dusky white (black in
summer) ; the whole of the lower parts, and tips of the second wings, pure white, with
several bars of the same colour on the back ; legs inclining to brown, and above each
eye a spot of white. The beak is short and powerful — somewhat similar to that of
black game — and admirably adapted for breaking up small crabs and other Crustacea,
its natural food, which abound in the frozen seas. About Davis's Straits and Green-
land, the ice birds, as they name them, congregate in great flocks, often amusing the
sailors in their dreary task of tracking their ships through the lanes of water, and
sometimes flying agaiust the ropes and rigging with such velocity as to fall down dead.
— Inverness Courier, December 16th, 1846.
Occurrence of the Little Auk near Cromer. — I have just seen a specimen of the
little auk (Yarrell's Birds, vol. iii. p. 358). It was picked up by the keeper in or near
Felbrig Park, the seat of William Windham, Esq., on Saturday night last, greatly
exhausted. Upon being taken into the house, and provided with a basin of salt water,
it revived, and dipped and washed itself, but died in the course of the night. The
singular small spot, of snowy whiteness, over the eye, was most distinctly developed.
There was around the throat a band of dingy feathers, about an inch deep, evidently
indicating a state of moult. — Si Edward Fitch ; Cromer, December 14th, 1846.
Reptiles. 1643
Occurrence of the Stormy Petrel (Procellaria pelagica) near Chipping Norton. — Two
of these birds have recently been brought to me, one of which was found dead, and in
rather a high state ; the other quite fresh, and in nice condition : it was whipped down
by a boy while in the field at work. The late storms at sea have probably driven these
birds away from their favourite element.— Thomas Goatley ; Chipping Norton.
Occurrence of the Stormy Petrel near Knaresborough. — The high wind which has
prevailed during the last few days brought over, on Wednesday last, to New York, in
this neighbourhood, a fine specimen of the stormy petrel ( Thalissidroma pelagica).
It was so far exhausted as to allow a person to take it up in his hand, and when brought
to me was but just alive, and died shortly afterwards. — James C. Garth, Knaresborough,
October 26th, 1846.
Occurrence of the Stormy Petrel at Halifax. — " Last week a stormy petrel was
picked up in Broad Street, Halifax, in a very exhausted state : it remained alive until
evening ; and had, no doubt, been driven so far inland by the recent stormy weather.'*
— Illustrated London News.
Anecdote of Sagacity in Frogs. — During one of those wet evenings in the beginning
of October, my attention was directed to a noise between the window and the shutter-
blind (or sun-blind) of the sitting-room of the house I was stopping at, in the quiet
village of Lindfield, in Sussex. I looked, but could not see what caused the noise :
presently the same noise occurred again ; and on looking a second time, T found it
proceeded from a fine frog climbing up the blind, and then jumping down again. I
took no particular notice of it, thinking the frog was taking shelter from the storm ;
but presently a second one made its appearance, acting in the same way as the first
one. Their actions in this way lasted for some time ; they then changed their mode
of climbing, and instead of having their backs to the inside of the room, turned about
and climbed up the window-frame, and looked into the room, jumping down to one
particular spot. Fancying they were attracted by the light, I took no further notice,
than occasionally looking at them, and retired to rest, leaving them in their snug re-
treat, as I thought, for the night, but what was my surprise when in opening the shut-
ter or sun-blind, the following morning, to find that a fine large frog had been caught
by the leg, and made a prisoner between the blind and the window. From this, I
think it not at all unreasonable to presume that our visitors, the evening before, had
been drawn to the spot by the cries of their captured brother ; and their climbing up
the blind, and especially the window, and looking into the room, was for the purpose
of imploring assistance to effect the escape of the imprisoned one. What makes it
still more striking, is, that when they jumped down from the blinds they always
jumped to the spot where the captive was. I have often heard of instances of saga-
city in dogs, horses, and even pigs, but never heard of it in frogs before. — Robert
Davis ; Belgrave Place, Pimlico.
1644 Fishes.
Notes on the Fishes of the District of the Land's End.
By R. Q. Couch, Esq., M.R.C.S.L., &c.
The Pilchard, Clupea pilchardus. That portion of the history of
this fish which may be considered general, as well as the modes by
which it is captured on the Cornish shores, have been so fully
described in Yarrell's ' British Fishes,' and in several Papers in the
' Transactions of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society,' that they
hardly need be more than alluded to again. Our chief attention will
be directed to its habits and migrations, as exhibited within our
prescribed limits. This western portion of Cornwall must be consi-
dered as the chief seat of the pilchard fishery, and St. Ives as the
head quarters. From the number of men engaged in the pursuit, and
from the locality being very favourable for observations, the migra-
tions can be more carefully watched than in any other part of the
county. Deriving my information from the persons engaged in the
fishery, and daily noting the exact spots in which the fish were taken,
their course has been tolerably clearly ascertained. These notes,
however, extend over the three years of 1844, 1845 and 1846. On a
review of these records, I think there can be no doubt that the
pilchard remains on some part of the Cornish shores throughout the
year, and that it does not perform those extensive migrations formerly
thought to have occurred. 1 have seen pilchards taken from the
stomach of the hake, cod, and other predaceous fishes, during the
winter and spring, and have seen them taken in the mackerel-nets in
the spring and summer, on the western fishing-grounds, including
Mount's Bay ; and as the fishery is an autumnal one, their presence
throughout the year is very clearly ascertained. In the spring
mackerel-nets they are repeatedly taken ; and early in summer small
flocks or " schulls " are frequently seen sporting at the surface of the
water. Towards the latter part of summer the regular fishery begins,
and it is continued till late in the autumn on the southern shores ;
and at St. Ives, on the northern coast, large catches are annually made
about October and November, and sometimes in December. They
are most rarely seen during the latter part of winter, and very early in
spring ; then they are in deep water, on the south-western parts of
Cornwall, and at the entrance to the English Channel, and to the
south and west of the Scilly Islands. At this time they swim deep,
rising in proportion to the fineness of the weather, and their course is
generally in a westerly direction, being most commonly taken on the
Fishes. 1645
eastern side of the nets. If the weather continues fine for some days,
they are occasionally found irregularly to approach the shores in sandy
situations, as at Mount's Bay, Lamorna Cove and Whitsand Bay,
and also near St. Ives ; but they rarely at this time congregate into
large masses, and frequently a few stragglers only are to be seen.
During the early part of summer, and late in the spring, such as about
April, May and June, they are occasionally seen in small shoals, but
without any definite course ; sometimes going east, at others west ;
sometimes approaching the shores, and at others returning into deep
water off the land. When the other fisheries have failed, advantage is
taken of this, their early appearance, and the boats go in pursuit of
them. In 1842, on the 23rd and 28th of April, ten hogsheads were
taken in Mount's Bay; and in 1843, on the 30th of November, up-
wards of a thousand hogsheads were taken in Mount's Bay by the
drift-nets. In former years their early appearance was more frequent
than it has lately been • thus about the year 1790, shoals of the pil-
chard were frequently seen about January and February. But even
when they are not seen, if the nets are " shot" off the sandy inlets
about sun-set, many will be frequently taken, but what seems strange, is,
that they are all meshed on the shore side, and if taken in the morning,
on the outside of the net. From this it appears that they approach
the shore during the day, and return to deeper water towards evening.
Such is the opinion of the fishermen, and such I believe, from their
catches, to be the case. These diurnal migrations occur when the
fish are supposed to be not yet arrived on our shores. As summer
advances, the stragglers associate into small companies ; these again
unite into larger ones, called " shirmers" or " braking- schulls ;" and
finally into those large autumnal schulls which are the objects of the
fishery. In the early spring they can hardly be said to be gregarious,
for they move independently of each other, in a very irregular manner.
When they begin to congregate, they rise to the surface, and though
they move about without any apparent order, yet their general course
is in a westerly direction ; and this is ascertained by the side of the
nets on which they are taken, and by the boats following the direction
of their course. The great bulk of the fish, however, do not remain
close to the shores throughout the year, but in deep water ; and in
their annual migrations they resort to the south-west, west and north-
west of the Scilly Islands, and the entrances to the channels. Late in
July, or early in August, the boats of Mount's Bay return from the
coasts of Ireland, where they have been engaged on the herring fish-
ery, and then they fall in with immense shoals of pilchards at the
V M
1640 Fishes.
entrance to the St. George's Channel, and to the south and at the
entrance to the English Channel. This I have had repeatedly con-
firmed by the masters of the vessels employed in the Welch coal-trade.
Some of the fishing boats, which returned from Ireland in the second
week of July, in 1846, found the shoals small, and much to the south
of their usual position, but they were going in a northerly direction;
those boats, however, which returned at their usual time, the first week
in August, found them on the same spot, and in the same sized schulls
as in former years, but with a southerly course. As this evidence is
confirmed year after year, it may safely be supposed, that early in
spring and summer they retire into deep water, and gradually congre-
gate at the entrance to the English and St. George's Channels, till the
period of their migrations towards the land. While this may be re-
marked on the great bulk of the summer fish, yet there is good reason
to believe all do not retire so far to the west, for good catches are
sometimes made in June and July, to the south-west of Mount's Bay,
and to the south of the Lizard. But as you advance eastward they
become more and more scarce. About Mevagissey, Fowey, Polperro
and Looe, catches are made in June and July, but it is not till August
and September that the great catches are expected, and then the boats
go west to meet the shoals as they advance eastward.
The chief resort of the pilchard, therefore, so far as I have yet as-
certained, during the period of its congregating, is to the west of the
Scilly Islands, extending to the north, and occasionally the circum-
ference of the shoals extends to near the Welch and Irish shores, and
eastward, along the western shores of Cornwall, in deep water. But
the united testimony of all our men engaged in the Irish herring fish-
ery, is, that they never saw a pilchard to the north of the Small's light-
house on the Welch shores, or of a line extending from that spot to
Waterford, in Ireland. As they are engaged in the herring fishery,
and that is carried on in precisely the same manner as the drift-net
fishery for the pilchard, their never having taken one pilchard to the
north of that line is worthy of especial notice. A better test of their
presence could not be devised, as the same nets are used in many in-
stances on both occasions. Further observations, however, are re-
quired before this can be assigned as their northern limit ; they may
wander further after the boats have left the shores, for at that time
their course is frequently in that direction. One thing, however, is
certain, that they cannot go much beyond it, as the period of their
appearance on the Cornish shores takes place within a fortnight from
that time. To the south of this line, their chief resort is on the
Fishes. ' 1647
Cornish side of the Channel, — from off St. Ives to the Land's End.
The " schull T or " schulls," when they begin their great annual move-
ment, pass southward, and a portion strikes the land to the north of
Cape Cornwall, and turns in a north-easterly direction towards St.
Ives, and constitutes their summer fishery, which in that district is the
smallest. The great bulk passes between the Scilly Islands and the
main land, through that sheet of water called the Lionese, like an im-
mense army, extending itself parallel to the land. To look from Cape
Cornwall, or from any of the highlands of St. Just, and see this im-
mense moving mass extending as far as the eye can reach, approach-
ing the shores and reddening the waters, is a sight of great interest
and beauty, and such an one as would repay any exertion to witness
it; — they approach, and
" Forthwith the sounds and seas, each creek and bay
With fry innumerable swarm, and shoals
Of fish, that with their fins and shining scales
Glide under the green wave in schulls that oft
Bank the mid sea."
In most of the sandy bays in their passage, seines are established for
their capture. In some seasons they approach so near, that their course
corresponds with the indentations of the shores. They will take, for
instance, the sweep of Whitsand Bay, and pass between Cowloe and
Pedn-mean-du, and between the Longships light-house and the Land's
End ; then close to Tol-pedn-penwith and Pedn-mean-annear, and
from thence into Mount's Bay. Sometimes they pass into the bay,
and at others cross over towards the Lizard. During this part of the
fishery the boats of Mount's Bay go to the westward, and get a clear
offing to the north-west, so that the fish may come uninterruptedly to
their nets, the meshing always occurring from that direction. After
this their progress is eastward ; but it depends on the state of the tide
whether they shall cross to the Lizard, or take the sweep of Mount's
Bay. If they strike the Lizard, they turn in by the land, and are taken
at Mullion. If they pass beyond the Lizard, they go on to Mevagissey,
Fowey, Polperro, Looe, and the other points of the fishery. During
the last season, after the fish had passed Tol-pedn-penwith, they dis-
appeared ; but on the fourth day after it blew smartly from the south-
west, when the fish struck the shore near Marazion Green and St. Mi-
chael's Mount, and there they were taken by the seines. At another
time they disappeared at the same point, and in three days were ob-
served at Mullion, on the eastern side of the bay. If they are taken
by the drift-nets, out in the bay, their course is eastward; if near the
1648 i Fishes.
shore, it is westward ; which can only be accounted for by the cur-
rents, which are then setting in the same direction. So that if the fish
touch the shore to the west of the Lizard, they afterwards sweep in
and return to the west. Of late they have not gone so far eastward as
in former years, and though the great " schull " is as large as formerly,
or very nearly so, yet the fish that pass up our southern shores have
greatly decreased, if the quantities taken be an index to the quantity
existing. This, however, I rather think is not the case, for the quan-
tity taken depends more on the direction the fish take : if they pass
up in deep water, they escape the seines, and in some measure the
drift-nets ; and if they swim low, they escape altogether, and the fish-
ery is a failure. The season of 1845 was not by any means a good
one, yet the quantity offish that passed round the Land's End was as
great as ever: in 1846, they passed much nearer the shores, and in
the eastern fishing-grounds the quantity taken was unusually great.
When the fish prefer deep water the fishery is very partial and uncer-
tain, for they will move in the usual mass, for days together, with very
little variation; and then, as if actuated by one impulse, will suddenly
approach close to the shores, so that the different stations may be
more or less successful from this cause alone. What the cause of these
movements is, is not yet ascertained. The function of spawning no
doubt exercises great influence, and the state of the weather produces
some effect ; the currents of particular localities may and do deter-
mine local directions, yet the grand movements of the mass must be
determined by other and more universal causes. Sometimes the fish
are in pursuit of food, and when the fishermen find their nets covered
with " sea-lice " (Entomostraca), they always expect large catches.
But the shoals appear sometimes to be merely sportive, and at others
pass along the shores with great rapidity, as if in search of a given
object. The cause of their migrations is at present unknown ; and
what can limit their wanderings from the " Smalls " on the north,
to the Cornish shores, to the Start Point and Bigburry Bay, in Devon-
shire, on the east, cannot even be surmised. The same food, the same
water, the same temperature and shores, equally varied with those
marking the line of their migrations, are to be found widely extended
beyond those limits. Diligent and long-continued observations may
eventually elucidate this obscure point in their history, but at present
we must remain contented with the facts.
(To be continued).
Fishes. 1649
Singular Disease in Sticklebacks. — A pond in the outskirts of Liverpool abounds
with sticklebacks ( Gasterosteus leiurus), numbers of which are diseased in a remark-
able manner, having large globular excrescences, filled with a pure white fluid, pro-
truding from various parts of their bodies ; sometimes to such an extent that jointly
they equal in bulk the fish itself, and are singly as large as a pepper-corn. That they
are not foreign matters adhering to the skin is obvious without dissection, those on the
back and sides showing the markings and colours of the fish, only lighter (from dis-
tension, and the transparency showing the fluid through) ; those on the belly are sil-
very white. The diseased fish are all small and ill-conditioned. I kept some alive in
a glass vessel for some time ; they were very lively, and would eat small pieces of the
bodies of flies, &c, taking them fearlessly from my finger. The disease is not peculiar
to this year. I have a specimen in spirits, which I obtained in the same pond three
or four years ago. In a ditch about two hundred yards from the pond the sticklebacks
are quite healthy. — George Wolley ; 9, Cambridge Street, Liverpool, Nov. 13th, 1846.
Capture of large Sturgeons in the Usk, near Bridgewater. — As an accompaniment
to the notices in the ' Zoologist ' (Zool. 1419 and 1555), on the capture of " a huge
sturgeon in the Wye," and " a large sturgeon in the Usk," I solicit a place in this
highly interesting Journal for an account of the capture of sturgeons in the river Par-
ret, near Bridgewater. In the middle of May, 1829, one was taken about five miles
below Bridgewater, and brought alive to the town, which weighed 273 lbs. I pro-
cured the roe, which weighed 40 fbs., and I reckoned the number of ova by counting
those of some half-ounces and ounces, and found them to amount to 1,920,000. Lew-
enhceck is reported, in popular books, to have discovered in a fish of this species
150,000,000,000 ova: this number is so enormous that I suspect it is improperly
printed. In the middle of May, 1839, another large sturgeon was taken in the Parret,
a mile below the town, which weighed 250 fbs. : the length of this fish was nearly nine
feet. Other large sturgeons, not so large as the two mentioned, have since occurred in
our river, and small ones two or three feet long are not uncommon here. The crea-
tures which serve this fish for food must be small ; the structure of the mouth and ali-
mentary canal will not allow it to feed on large substances: I have found in the
stomach only elvers and different species of shrimps, and I have examined very large
specimens. Large sturgeons have been taken in the Parret, within the last forty years
at least, only in the month of May, thus agreeing, in the time of their visit to our
river, with the periods of captures in the Wye and the Usk, as recorded (Zool. 1555)
by Mr. Bladon. This is what would be expected, on considering the vicinity of the
mouths of the Severn and Parret, at the head of the Bristol Channel. — Wm. Baker ;
Bridgewater, February Sth, 1847.
Habits of the Trout in Lake Huron. — " A Mr. Biddle related to me a curious fact
respecting the large trout of the lake. Upon one occasion he caught one weighing
72 tbs., which, when it was drawn up, had a large white fish (Corregonus albus) in
its throat, with its tail sticking out of the trout's mouth, whilst inside of the salmon
were two more white fish, each weighing about 10 tbs. : both of these fishes were lying
with their heads downwards, and in this manner he had invariably found them when
inside of a salmon-trout. The voracity of this animal must be great, if, not satisfied
with three large fishes, he must dash also at the bait of the angler. Propensities of
this kind sometimes lead others, who are not fishes, a little too far- An Indian, who
was a very experienced fisherman, explained to my informant the probable reason why
the white fish arc found with their heads downwards. He said he had frequently seen
1650 Fishes.
from his canoe, when in still water, the salmon-trout chase the white fish ; and that
whenever they perceived he was near them, they invariably turned round as if to look
their danger in the face, and making no resistance, were taken head foremost into the
jaws of the enemy. A curious provision of Nature, unnerving the weak to feed the
strong. In the winter season the Indians cut holes in the ice where it is transparent, and
contrive to drag their nets beneath it. They also spear the trout, using upon such oc-
casions a painted iish as a decoy, which attracts the minnows. The voracious trout,
perceiving that something is going on, now gets in motion, and the minnows, aware
of his approach by the movement of the water, run off in a contrary direction ; which
apprising the Indian of the quarter from whence he is making his approach, he adjusts
his spear, and transfixes him as he comes up. These large trout look very much like
cod-fish; but in their huge gaping mouths are rows of excessively sharp teeth, indi-
cative of their voracious nature. The white fish is a sucker, and is not, I think, as
pleasant to eat as the trout. This last fish is very firm, and but faintly resembles the
salmon, both in colour and flavour ; neither is it as rich, but it is very good, and is a
blessed sight to set before a hungry traveller. The white fish, however, is preferred by
the inhabitants of Michilimackinac, who almost live upon it when it is in season." —
FeatherstonhaugK's ' Canoe Voyage up the Minnay SotorJ i. 144.
Deadly encounter between two Salmon. — Instances of the ferocity of the varied spe-
cies of bipeds and quadrupeds have been often recorded in the public journals, and
Mr. Jesse and Mr. St. John have lately furnished interesting incidents regarding the
traits and habits of these animals ; but we have this week to narrate a more remark-
able occurrence, in the character of the salmon, than we have yet had the opportunity
to record. The facts are these : while several cuttermen (of the Preventive Service)
were on their rounds the other day, and bearing along the Findhorn, between Glen-
ferness and Dulcie Bridge, they observed an unusual commotion among the spawning-
beds of the ford. On approaching the spot two large male salmon were seen engaged
in mortal combat for the possession of a female. Never did chivalric knights contest
for the hand of " ladye fair " more fiercely than those buirdly " lords of the flood."
The tranquil bosom of the stream was lashed into foam by the struggles of the finny
antagonists; in the meantime the object of the fray beating silently about, " spectatress
of the fight." From the appearance of the stream — dyed with blood, and gradually
assuming its former smooth surface — it was evident that the contest was over. One
of the salmon, at last, flounders on the surface — dead, and the victor, it may be con-
jectured, exhaustedly bore off his prize. The men, who had the curiosity to watch the
fight, as a proof of their story, conveyed the dead salmon to the nearest dwelling, that
of Mr. George Mackintosh, March Strype, near the entrance of the secluded valley
called the Streens. The victorious salmon had torn off the flesh, or rather fish, along
the back from head to tail, to the very bone. In the movement of salmon spawning,
the males have often been seen chasing one another, but such a fray as this has
not been witnessed by the oldest fisher or poacher on the Findhorn. — Elgin
Courier.
Mollusks fyc. 1651
Occurrence of Bulimus Lackharnensis and Dreissena polymorpha near Cheltenham. —
There are three localities for Bulimus Lackharnensis near Cheltenham \ Cranham
wood, where last year I collected between seventy and eighty specimens ; Hailing
wood ; and beech trees on the north side of Lineover Hill. On the submerged tim-
bers of the third canal bridge from Gloucester, Dreissena polymorpha is found most
abundantly : I also noticed it, three years ago, on timber in the Ouse, near St. Neols',
Huntingdonshire, which shows that this foreign shell will probably one day become as
plentiful, in our navigable rivers and canals, as that veritable native Anodon Cygneus.
— Charles Prentice ; 1, Oxford Villas, Cheltenham.
Enquiry respecting Gossamer-webs. — Would you have the kindness to explain to
me the cause of the gossamer-webs which are floating about in the air, and covering
the fields, and also the reason of their being found only in a frosty atmosphere ? Is it
possible that they can be the work of spiders ?— Henry Shepherd ; North Wales, Win-
chester, October 27th, 1846.
[So much has been written on this subject, and with so little advantage to the en-
quirer, that I prefer referring my correspondent to Nature herself: the webs are un-
doubtedly the product of spiders, but their great elevation has never been satisfactorily
explained. — E. Neivman.~)
Habits of a minute Spider. — Whilst walking on the South Downs, between the
villages of Piddinghoe and Rottingdean, in Sussex, I observed, on several branches
of gorse, that the extreme ends of the branches were covered with a thick web. This
web was studded with myriads of small scarlet spots, which, on closer examination,
proved to be insects in constant motion. I broke off a small branch, and placed it in
a tin collecting-box, to the sides of which the insects had, in a few hours, attached the
branch, by means of their web. On my return home, I transferred them, with the
piece of gorse, into a glass tumbler, in order to be able to watch their operations. In
the course of the two following days, they had fixed the branch to the sides of the
glass, and had filled the interior of the tumbler three parts full of web. The glass
was placed on a warm mantelpiece, about two yards from a south window, and the in-
sects principally carried on their operations on that side of the glass nearest the light.
The web was not very firmly attached to the glass, as a breath of air would displace
it. The height of the web increased most on the side of the glass facing the window,
and on turning the glass half round they gradually congregated on the opposite side,
leaving the seat of their former work for a situation nearer the light. During the day-
time, most of the insects were moving about at the sides of the glass, or on the top of
the web ; but at night they retired under the web, or between the web and the sides of
the glass, and were generally congregated rather thickly at that side of the tumbler
where they were last at work. Their operations were suspended soon after sunset, and
commenced again an hour after sunrise. At night, the presence of a strong light pro-
duced no sensible effect on them. On the third day, I observed on the sides of the
glass, and near the bottom, several small scarlet spots, about half the size of the in-
sects. Could this have been their excrement ? The following is a description of one
of the specimens : — body irregularly oval, breadth and thickness being each equal to
about half the length ; colour scarlet or pale blood-red, the head and legs being rather
paler than the other parts: abdomen with three (perhaps four) darker blood-red, trans-
1652 Insects.
verse, broad bands across the back, where there were ten to twelve single hairs i legs
eight, fringed with hairs i hairs quite white, and most numerous at the feet, where four
or five were in a cluster. Down the centre of the back was a plain disc, equal to one-
fifth of the greatest breadth, bounded on each side by a longitudinal row of hairs, and
on the spaces on either side were a few solitary hairs placed irregularly. Length 3'5th
to g^th of an inch. It required seven of them placed lengthwise to reach one-eighth of
an inch. The insect, when irritated, assumed a much darker colour, and the trans-
verse bands were then scarcely distinguishable. They were found about noon, on the
8th of February, 1844, and there had been a sharp frost in the morning : the sky was
cloudy, and there was a fresh sea breeze. Thermometer 36 to 38. Wind S.W. — W.
Thomson, Jun.
Occurrence of Argynnis Lathonia near Nonvich. — Two good specimens of Argyn-
nis Lathonia have been taken, and others seen, at Harleston near this place. — Charles
Muskett; Norwich, October 9th, 1846.
Assemblage of Cynthia Cardui. — Perceiving in the last number of your very valu-
able and interesting work, the Zoologist, a paper soliciting that any interesting or re-
markable facts, which may have fallen under observation, might be forwarded to you,
I beg leave to mention a circumstance connected with the Cynthia Cardui, which lately
fell under my notice. In an entomological excursion from Croydon, over the Ad-
dington Hills, I noticed iu a small clump of elm trees, on the right hand side of the
road, about mid-way up the hill, great numbers of this butterfly (some fifty or sixty)
flying or flitting about in all directions, yet not going out of this group of trees, even
when disturbed. I obtained thirty-six of them, mostly much rubbed, but a few in ex-
cellent condition. Also, in another clump of trees adjacent, in which, singularly
enough, were the Vanessa Atalanta, in equally great numbers, of which, also, I obtained
a great quantity. Now it is curious that the Cynthia should be found in such numbers,
as I believe they generally are considered somewhat rare, and particularly in a place
not containing a vestige of their food, and all concentrated in one little spot, and
not to be found in any other place, although many similar in appearance are near. —
Charles H. Griffith, 9, St. John's Square, London.
Capture of the Vanessa Antiopa, at Stoke Newington. — I write to inform you of the
capture of a Vanessa Antiopa, in Lordship Lane, Stoke Newington, on Friday after-
noon, last. I have just received it, but in a damaged condition, owing to the person
taking it not being an entomologist. — Thomas Hall ; 7, City Road, 16th Nov. 1846.
Capture of Vanessa Antiopa, near Bristol. — I have the pleasure of recording the
capture of V. Antiopa, in this neighbourhood, on the 22nd of last month ; the insect
was flying pretty swiftly in the sunshine, and was knocked down by a boy, and slightly
injured. I am happy to add, that it is now in my cabinet. — Thomas Lighton; Clif-
ton, Bristol, October 26th, 1846.
Occurrence of Vanessa Antiopa, near Ely. — On the 7th of September last, a speci-
men of Vanessa Antiopa (now in my possession) was taken in a garden at Mepal, about
six miles west of Ely. The margin of the wings is of a very pale colour. Mr.
Doubleday states that a female was taken at Yaxley ; if Yaxley in Huntingdonshire is
meant, the distance is not more than eighteen miles north-west of Mepal. — Marshall
Fisher; St. Mary's, Ely, \bth October, 1846.
Insects. 1653
Occurrence of Vanessa Antiopa, near Coventry, — To the numerous notices already
recorded in a late number of the Zoologist, of the occurrence of Vanessa Antiopa during
the last summer, I have to add the capture of this fine insect, in the adjoining parish
of Berkswell. The butterfly was taken about the middle of August, by a sort of bird-
catching person, who collects a few of the more showy insects, for the purpose of adorn-
ing his bird-cases, and was not recognised by him as a rarity, nor valued so much as
the admirals and peacocks he caught for the same purpose. The specimen, which
has lost a little of its original brilliancy, is now in the possession of my son. — W. T.
Bree ; Allesley Rectory, near Coventry, January \8th, 1847.
Note on the capture of Deilephila Livornica, near Preston and Carlisle. — I am in
possession of two specimens of this rare moth, one of which was taken in this town,
and the other near Carlisle. I have also heard of another having been taken in the
west of Cumberland, and which is now in the possession of a gentleman in York. —
James Cooper; Preston, October, 1846.
Capture of Deilephila Celerio, in Norfolk. — A specimen of this insect was taken off
a door on the Church Plain. — George Fitt, Jun.
Capture of Deilephila Celerio, at Seaford, in Sussex. — A specimen of this rare
Sphinx, a female, in pretty good condition, was taken, the first week in October, at Sea-
ford, Sussex, and is now in my possession. It flew into the kitchen of a house there,
about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and a lady, who has since given it me, having had
her attention directed to it, caught it in her hand. The struggle it made to escape,
slightly broke and rubbed the tips of the upper wings, and also damaged the thorax ;
in other respects, it is a fine, perfect specimen. — Thomas Ingall ; Bank of England.
Capture of Deilephila Celerio, near Ledbury. — As you are desirous, I believe of
recording in the Zoologist, the captures of rare insects, I have to inform you that a
specimen of the silver-striped hawk moth (Deilephila Celerio) is now in my possession,
having been kindly presented to me by the Kev. J. H. Mapleton, who took it in his
stable, in the village of Tarrington, near Ledbury, in the summer of 1845 ; he believes,
but is not quite sure, that it was in the month of August. From the appearance of
the specimen, I should judge that it had very recently come out of the chrysalis. — W.
T. Bree ; Allesley Rectory, December 22nd.
Capture of Deilephila Celerio at Huddersfield. — A very fine specimen of the Deile-
phila Celerio was taken at Huddersfield, in September last. It flew into a small
public-house, in the precincts of the town, and was fortunately captured without re-
ceiving much injury. Several specimens of the Sphinx Convolvuli have likewise oc-
curred in the same locality. — Peter Inchbald; Storthes Hall, Huddersfield.
Capture of Sphinx Convolvuli, at Yarmouth. — These insects have been taken in
immense quantities in Yarmouth, during the past summer and autumn, not less than
one hundred and fifty were captured. One person, within my knowledge, has
taken fifty-seven, and others have captured a great many. One which I now have,
was taken off a ladder. A person told me he saw a flight of them on " Caistor Mar-
rams," which would seem to confirm our opinion, that they migrated from the conti-
nent. Another reason for supposing them to be migratory, is, that no person has yet
succeeded in finding the larvae. — George Fitt, Jun.
Larva of Sphinx Convolvuli. — About two weeks ago, I had brought to me, a cater-
pillar, which I supposed to be that of Sphinx Convolvuli ; it agreed with the descrip-
tion of the larva of that insect, in Stephen's British Entomology, being of a dark olive
green colour, with dark yellow oblique lateral stripes, and was rather larger than the
V N
1654 Insects.
caterpillar of S. Ligustri. The person who found it, stated she got it out of the ground,
but when put into the breeding-cage, it refused to bury itself, or eat, and died in the
course of a short time. I see the end of July is the earliest period for the appearance
of the perfect insect, mentioned in the Zoologist for this month, and I imagine this
caterpillar must have been produced from eggs, laid at, or previously to that time. —
A. Greenwood ; Chelmsford, November 3rd, 1846.
[/ particular request information about the larva of Sphinx Convolvuli : it is almost,
if not entirely, unknown to British Entomologists. — E. Newman].
Occurrence of Sphinx Convolvuli, and Acherontia Atropos, near Ipswich. — Having
observed in the Zoologist, some accounts of very rare insects, I thought the following
might not be wholly void of interest. I have obtained a specimen of the death's-head
moth (Acherontia Atropos), which was caught at Aldbro', and which was kept alive
several days on some potatoes, on which the caterpillar of this insect feeds. I have
also received two specimens of the convolvulus hawk moth (Sphinx Convolvuli), the
first of which, was found on removing some leaves of deal : the latter was brought me
October the 9th, by a poor woman, into whose house it had flown. Both these last
specimens were caught in Ipswich. I write this, because, not having observed in the
Zoologist, an account of these insects from that locality, I thought it might be worth
inserting. — R. J. Ransome ; Ipswich, November 2oth, 1846.
Capture of Sphinx Convolvuli, in the Isle of Wight. — Having read in the Zoolo-
gist for September, accounts of the capture of this rare moth, I forward you an account
of a capture I made last September. I was spending a few days at Sea View, near
Byde, Isle of Wight, and in the garden belonging to the house, there were several
patches of a species of OEnothera, with very large white blossoms, growing close to the
ground, these blossoms appeared to attract them very much (for I did not see them
hover over any other plant in the garden). In one evening, I saw five or six over it,
but captured two only. I visited the spot every evening, and although I saw several
more, I was not fortunate enough to take any ; but I took another specimen in the
day-time, while at rest at the foot of a fir-tree, amongst the grass, my attention being
drawn to it by some children, who ran to inform me, that there was a " large bat lying
under a tree," this was an extraordinary large specimen, measuring five inches and
nearly one-eighth from tip to tip of the wings. — Robert Davis ; Belgrave Place, Pimlico.
Capture of Sphinx Convolvuli, near Bristol. — On the 28th of August, I had a spe-
cimen of this fine insect brought me, which had been captured on a wall, and on the
31st of the same month another specimen was brought me, taken among beans; and
on the 10th of September, I had the pleasure of capturing one myself, hovering over
Salvias ; and on the 12th, another on Petunias. About twenty other specimens were
taken by collectors in the immediate neighbourhood. — P. H. Vaughan ; Redland, near
Bristol.
Occurrence of Acherontia Atropos near Bristol. — On the 12th of October I bred a
female specimen of this insect from a larva that I found beneath an ash tree on Durd-
ham Downs, on the 24th of July ; it changed to pupa on the 1st of August. A spe-
cimen of the larva was also taken at Henbury near Bristol, but unfortunately it died
before it arrived at maturity. — Id.
Capture of Sphinx Convolvuli near Maidstone. — Three specimens of this insect were
caught at Beuming, near Maidstone, between the 20th of August and the 6th of Sep-
tember last ; one was captured over a plant of the Marvel of Peru, and the two others
were found in the day-time, in a pickle-jar on a shelf, which most probably had had
sugar in it.— E. M. Attwood.
Insects. 1655
Occurrence of Sphinx Convolvuli near Ely. — On the 17th of August last I saw a
tine specimen of Sphinx Convolvuli taken on board a vessel a few miles off Yarmouth.
About the same time this insect was, I believe, rather common at Ely. One indivi-
dual has five or six specimens ; another has two, and I have been informed that seve-
ral more were seen. — Marshall Fisher ; St. Mary's, Ely, October 15th, 1846.
Note on Clisiocampa castrensis. — I could not meet with a single larva of this insect
this year, in a locality (Isle of Sheppey) where, in some years, hundreds could be col-
lected. It is a very difficult insect to breed if the larvae, are obtained very young, and
even when taken full-fed they frequently die after having spun up. — Thomas Ingall ;
Bank of England.
Observations tending to establish a new British Species of the Genus Lasiocampa. —
From repeated conversation which I have had with my friend, the well-known natu-
ralist, Mr. Weaver, and from careful investigation of all the facts and circumstances
stated by him, little doubt exists in my mind, that, under the common designation of
Lasiocampa Quercus, two perfectly distinct species of British Egger have been con-
founded by entomologists. I have minutely examined, through a powerful microscope,
the antennae of both the common species, and of that which Mr. Weaver is seeking to
establish as new ; and can, consequently, vouch for the correctness of his observations
respecting the peculiarities of structure of that important organ, which tend so power-
fully to corroborate Mr. Weaver's views. I shall now content myself with transcribing,
in the simple but lucid and expressive language of Mr. Weaver, the facts and obser-
vations upon which his opinions are founded, and conclude by a retrospect of the more
striking peculiarities of structure and habit by which the two insects are characterized.
The following is Mr. Weaver's statement: —
" Entomologizing on Rannock-moors, in the county of Perth, in June, 1845, 1 had
the good fortune to capture ten specimens of this noble moth, — eight males and two
females, flying at mid-day. Their flight is so high and rapid that it is very difficult to
capture them. I took, also, at the same date, in the dusk of evening, a very fine spe-
cimen of the female. *
" In June, 1844, on Rannock-moors, I found a caterpillar, of which I had not be-
fore seen the like, and, therefore, it was the more interesting to me. By diligently
searching over the moors, on a misty day, I found others, of the same kind, feeding on
the heath plant, which in September formed their cocoon. In June, 1845, 1 found
more caterpillars, of the same species, on the heath, and those also changed into the
chrysalis in September. And, again, in June and July, 1846, I took a few more of
the caterpillar on the heath, which changed in September; and these I now have in
the chrysalis state. I have given my best attention to all the changes of this interest-
ing species for the last three years, and the result is, that I find all the circumstances
precisely the same in each year.
" The larva, whilst young, feeds on the birch (Betula), willow (Salix), and heath
(Calluna — formerly Erica — vulgaris). It comes out from the egg in July, and is
adorned with a row of small gray spots on the back, which increase in size as the cat-
erpillar grows, till the spots appear as large as common peas. These spots are not in
the skin, but consist of light gray-coloured hairs, the rest of the hairs being of a dark
chesnut colour, and so contrasting with the light gray before mentioned. But at the
end of twelve months the caterpillar changes into its last skin, and the spots, at the
same time, entirely disappear. It then might be mistaken for the caterpillar of another
species, if its size and season of the year were not regarded, and also the long period
1656 Insects.
of fifteen months which it had passed in the caterpillar state. Forming its cocoon in
September, it lies, through the winter, in this state. Therefore the species requires
two full years for its progress through all its various changes ; whereas all the other
British species of the genus Lasiocampa pass usually through these changes in twelve
months."
1 . Lasiocampa Quercus, according to Donovan (British Insects, iii. 83 — 85), ap-
pears, in the winged state, in June, — according to Mr. Westwood in August. The
female deposits her ova in June or July ; the caterpillar is hatched in autumn, and
remains, during the winter, in this state. It feeds on Quercus robur, Pranus spinosa,
Crataegus oxyacantha, and divers herbaceous plants. All the successive skins as-
sumed by the animal in this state exhibit, from first to last, the same general colours
and markings. In the middle of May it spins a cocoon of a dull dirty straw colour,
and the perfect insect comes out in June or July, so that one year only is occupied in
its progress from the ovum to the imago state. The antenna of the male is very
strongly and distinctly pectinated, and consists of sixty-four minute articulated pieces,
the joints of which are nearly hidden by fine hairs, and measures, on the average,
three-eighths of an inch in length. The size of the insect is generally smaller, and
the colouring of the body, wings and antennas less deep and rich, than those of the
species about to be described.
2. Lasiocampa Callunce. The perfect insect appears in June. The precise period
of deposition of the ova is unknown. The caterpillar is bred in July, and passes
through the first winter in that condition. Calluna vulgaris constitutes its principal
food. On every succeeding skin, except the last, the hairs investing it are so coloured
as to represent a series of circular ash-gray spots, arranged along the dorsal region of
the caterpillar, and increasing in size as the animal grows. From the last skin these
spots wholly disappear, and it then resembles, in colour and markings, the caterpillar
of the common species, and may be readily confounded with it by those who have had
no opportunity of observing the caterpillar in the successive stages of its development.
It passes into chrysalis invariably in September, and goes through the ensuing winter
and spring in that state, the cocoon being of a deep muddy-brown colour, so that two
entire years are consumed in the process of evolution. The antenna of the male is
more closely and delicately pectinated than in the preceding species ; it consists of
eighty-four pieces, not concealed by fine hairs, and measures full half an inch in
length. The antenna of the female is also stronger and longer than in the female of
L. Quercus. The size of the insect is larger, and the prevailing colours deeper, than
in the first species ; and a rich glossy puce, not seen in that insect, is exhibited on the
wings of both sexes.
It may, perhaps, be objected that L. Quercus sometimes passes a second winter in
chrysalis: this, however, constitutes the exception, not the rule. The same phenome-
non has occasionally been observed in our new species, and two — and even three —
winters have elapsed ere the insect has emerged from its cocoon. Size and colour, it
may, again, be argued, are very uncertain characters for the discrimination of species.
Taken by themselves they are certainly fallacious, but acquire considerable value when
invariably connected, as in the present instance, with other more solid and important
differences of structure and of habit. And I may fearlessly affirm, that many species
in the Animal Kingdom, universally acknowledged as distinct by zoologists, are
founded upon characters far less strongly marked and invariable than those distin-
guishing Lasiocampa Quercus from the new species which Mr. Weaver has had the
Insects. 1657
honour first clearly to identify, and which he has kindly deputed me the pleasant task
of thus imperfectly introducing to the scientific world. It is gratifying to add, that
the opinions of Mr. Weaver and myself, on this interesting subject, derive powerful
confirmation from the testimony of your able correspondent, Mr. Stainton, to whose
remarks (Zool. 1091) I beg leave to refer the curious reader. — Shirley Palmer, M.D.;
Birmingham, February 3rd, 1847.
Observations on expunging names from the list of British Insects. — In a catalogue,
published by J. R. Hawley and A. J. Guns, December, 1846, therein is stated as fol-
lows : — " Care has been taken to correct errors, and to reduce the number of doubtful
species and varieties, so far as could be done with certainty : it has been considered
better to leave varieties than destroy species." Now I affirm, with confidence, that
not the least certainty has been alleged to justify the expulsion of Melitaea Dia from
our list ; and, therefore, it is perfectly just that the assumed correction should be re-
voked. I have recorded in the * Zoologist ' (Zool. 887) the circumstances of my cap-
turing this species, and I beg leave to refer the reader to that account. I again most
positively affirm my former statement.
Twenty years ago I captured Erebia Cassiope, in abundance, on the highest moor-
land at the top of Langdale Pikes, 2400 feet in height. I found them on a spot that
inclines to the south, overlooking the little Tarn, and near to the pointed rocks known
by the name of Stickle Pikes. I recommend any entomologist that may be in that
part of the kingdom in July to search the above spot. I have no doubt whatever in
my mind that the insects I captured there are quite a distinct species from those of the
same genus taken by me in Perthshire, on similar elevation, land and foliage.
A full description of Erebia Melampus occurs in a former number of the * Zoologist'
(Zool. 729). All that I know, even as an attempt to disprove the previous claims, has
been conveyed in a letter, addressed to me, from a gentleman with whom I have the
honour of corresponding, who writes that he has received a communication from Paris,
and that his friend M. Pierret says that all the mountain Erebia? are darker coloured
and larger, from the high mountains, than those found on hills less elevated. I do
not for a moment dispute that such may be the case on the Continent ; nevertheless
my personal experience and practice proves to me the contrary as regards our moun-
tains. In addition to the before-mentioned remarks, I would observe that E. Me-
lampus is stronger and swifter on the wing, and flies higher, than E. Cassiope, and I
have had a very favourable opportunity of acquiring a knowledge of their habits, from
having captured them abundantly at an altitude certainly not less than 2400 feet.
This occurred in 1845, in a different locality to my captures of 1844, which I effected
at a considerably higher elevation. In conclusion, I would observe that any entomo-
logist that captures a new insect has a perfect right to enquire why its name is ex-
punged from our list. — Richard Weaver ; 152, Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham, Feb.
12th, 1847.
Note on the treatment of Acherontia Atropos. — The larvae of this fine insect, which
I have before noticed, are still, with the exception of one, remaining in the chrysalis
state. The specimen which I expect is the one which went to ground on July 26th,
came out October 11th ; but though it appears fully expanded, its wings are not quite
perfect ; I fear it must have struggled on the earth rather too long, for when I found
it (the wings not being then arrived at their sufficient stiffness), the insect was strug-
gling to support itself up the side of the box, which seemed too smooth for its feet to
hold by, in its weak state, I therefore placed it on some list, supported perpendicularly,
1658 Insects.
where it rested about a week, and did not, during that time, attempt to flutter about.
I placed some sugar, both dry and moist, close by, but could not discover that it had
been tasted. The insect then died, and it is now expanded and set. I took the others
from the mould, all of which are alive ; two of them appeared to be ready to come out,
the shell being thin and dry. I had the curiosity to strip one of its shell, using the
greatest care possible, and found it beautifully formed, the mark on the thorax being
very perfect, and all the colours, so far, quite bright ; this was done nearly a fortnight
since ; and by placing it in a warm situation, I watched, hoping to see it arise and
walk, but there it is now — alive, but its wings not expanded ; how long it may so re-
main, is uncertain. I would recommend lining the inside of breeding boxes, above
the mould, with cloth, that these heavy insects may, when they burst forth, find good
hold for their feet, to support themselves in a perpendicular position. — T. Goatley ;
Chipping Norton, November 23rd, 1846.
Occurrence of Acherontia Atropos, at Ely. — Several caterpillars of Acherontia
Atropos have been found at Ely, during the present year. I have had two ; the per-
fect insects appeared, one at the end of August, the other on the 7th of September
last, a third was brought to me alive, the following week. A domestic cat gave inti-
mation of the appearance of the first specimen, by endeavouring to get at the box, in
which the chrysalis had been placed, probably mistaking the cry for that of a mouse.
In 1837 I bad seven caterpillars, all taken from the tea-tree (Lycium Europceum),
one of them was of a dark brown colour, with the head and neck of a most beautiful
white ; all died in the chrysalis state. — Marshall Fisher ; St. Mary's Ely, \bth Octo-
ber, 1846.
Sphinx Ligustri, three years in the pupa state. — On the 11th of June, 1846, I bred
a female of Sphinx Ligustri, which had remained three years in the chrysalis, the
eggs having been deposited in 1843 ; the greater portion of the brood came to ma-
turity in 1844, four or five last year, and the last one this year. I have reared this
insect from the eggs every year, for the last eight years, and in every brood, some in-
dividual specimens have remained two years in the chrysalis. The specimen bred on
the 11th of June, is richer in colour than those bred at the usual time ; perhaps, like
Chariclea Delphinii, it improves in colour by lying longer in the chrysalis. On the
30th of August, I bred a male of S. Ligustri, from a larva hatched from eggs of this
year, and which had only remained about a month in the chrysalis state. — Henry
Longley ; 1, Eaton Place, Park Street, Grosvenor Square, November 5th, 1846.
Capture of Mamestra nigricans, near Gillingham.— In my journey to Sheppy, I
staid a short time at Chatham, and in my rambles among the salt-dykes, near Gilling-
ham, and close to the banks of the Medway, found a pupa of this insect under a stone,
which eventually changed to a very finely marked female. I understand Mr. Samuel
Stevens found the larva in a similar situation, this year, near Gravesend, in tolerable
p]enty. — T. Ingall; Bank of England, December Wth, 1846.
Occurrence of Noctua Templi, near Carlisle. — Will you please to insert in ' Zoo-
logist ' the capture of Noctua Templi. I got a very fine specimen this day, taken
in the city of Carlisle, and I had the pleasure of taking it out of the sets. This being
the first known specimen that has been taken in Cumberland, it will add to the local-
ities of this northern species. — James B. Hodglcinson; Harraby, near Carlisle, 3\st
October, 1846.
Capture of C. vetusta, at Tankerley Park. — A magnificent specimen of C. ve-
tusta was taken by my father at sugar in his garden, about a month ago. The timid
Insects. 1659
habits of this beautiful insect and its congener, exoleta, render them truly interesting
to the entomologist. — J. Johnson, Jun. ; Collegiate School, Huddersfield, November
23rd, 1846.
Capture of Calocampa vetusta near Huddersfield. — I have to record the capture of
an exceedingly well-marked specimen of Calocampa vetusta. I took it at sugar on
the 3rd of November, in company with its congener, exoleta. I took specimens of the
commoner insect on the previous and succeeding evening, but I have as yet seen but
one of the brood of vetusta. — Peter Inchbald ; Storthes Hall, Huddersfield, November
\7th, 1846.
Capture of Polia occulta, near Huddersfield. — On the 7th of last month I captured
at sugar, a specimen of the Polia occulta, somewhat wasted. It was attracted to the
composition in company with the common Phlogophora meticulosa and Orthosia
litura. The same evening I took Gortyna mieacea, and an unusual abundance of
Agrotis suffusa. — Peter Inchbald ; Storthes Hall, Huddersfield, October 16th, 1846.
Occurrence of Apamea unanimis, near Sheffield. — Several very fine specimens of
Apamea unanimis have been taken last August, by a friend of mine near Sheffield. —
J. Johnson, Jun. ; Collegiate School, Huddersfield, November 27th, 1846.
Occurrence of Phlogophora meticulosa, in January. — On Thursday last, January
14th, a living specimen of the angle-shades moth (Phlogophora meticulosa), evidently
fresh from the chrysalis, was brought to me by a friend, who had that day found it
resting on the wall of his house at Stafford. Its appearance during a severe frost in
January, seems unusual. Stephens, speaking of this moth, says, " the imago appears
towards the end of the April, again in the middle or end of June, and a third brood in
September." — Haust. iii, 84. If you think the occurrence of this common insect at
such an inclement season of the year, worthy of notice, perhaps you will give it a place
in the ' Zoologist.' — Robert C. Douglas ; Farebridge, Stafford, January 19th, 1847.
Note on the Graphiphora subrosea of Stephens.— I observe in the 'Zoologist'
(Zool. 1515) a notice of the re-appearance and capture of G. subrosea, but without a
date. Twenty years ago I spent thirteen weeks in exploring the extensive fens on the
borders of Whittlesea Mere, and, whilst sojourning there, I was fortunate enough to
capture several pairs of G. subrosea on Yexley Fens, about midway between the vil-
lages of Yexley and Home. The first I captured I viewed with admiration, being the
first of the species I had ever seen ; added to which, its extraordinary length of antennae
made it particularly interesting. This moth, in the evening twilight, I found at-
tracted by the blossom of the teasel, and in no instance did I observe it on any other
plant, although various other flowers blossomed in the same spot. The teasel flowers
in July ; therefore this fact will fix, with tolerable precision, the time this moth is on
the wing. I have not searched for this insect since the above date, but have repeat-
edly pointed out to my friends the exact spot, and also all the particulars connected
with my former captures. Last season a collector of experience was sent, by an emi-
nent and indefatigable entomologist, to the fens, for the express purpose of searching
for the insect, but, after remaining there some time, he returned without accomplishing
the desired object ; however, being again dispatched to the same spot, his efforts were
crowned with complete success. — Richard Weaver; 152, Bromsgrove Street, Bir-
mingham.
Occurrence of Acronycta Alni near Doncaster. — I have had the good fortune this
year again to breed Acronycta Alni. On the 27th of July I found a larva of this in-
sect crawling on a wall : I placed it in my breeding-box, and thought it had gone
1660 Insects.
down into the earth, as the last one I had did ; but on looking the next day, I found
it gnawing the wood near the top of the box, and endeavouring to make a case. It
was immediately removed into a flower-pot, containing earth, and supplied with leaves,
pieces of bark, and some fragments of decayed wood ; it chose the latter, probably on
account of its softness, and formed a case on one of the pieces, covered with chippings,
similar to those of Cerura vinula, but looser in texture. I observed, while forming its
case, that when any of its spines interfered at all with the freedom of its movements,
it immediately bit them off. On September 18th I was much surprised to find a
splendid female moth had emerged from the pupa, which had the abdomen thin and
small, apparently quite destitute of eggs. — John R. Hawley ; Hall Gate, Doncaster,
October 19th, 1846.
Causes of occasional scarcity among Lepidoptera. — The passing remarkable season
has brought forcibly before our notice two circumstances respecting Lepidoptera which
had not previously, that I am aware, attracted much attention, but which will, in a
great measure, I think, account for their occasional abundance or scarcity ; these are,
the appearance out of season of the perfect insect, and the number of barren females.
When moths which should come out in June make their appearance after the middle
of September, — as in my Alni, for instance, — it is obvious that, even in the case of
fertile eggs being deposited, the young larvae must perish for want of food. But pro-
bably a more frequent cause of scarcity is a want of fertility in the female, which may
have its origin in atmospheric influences, or be the result of some accidental quality
in the food of the larva. Perhaps the same cause that has produced extensive disease
in the vegetable kingdom may have equally influenced the. insect world: be that as it
may, I think it behoves every naturalist to make and record careful observations in his
own peculiar department, with a view to the elucidation of these phenomena, and the
discovery, most probably, of some new and interesting feature in the economy of cre-
ation. From whatever cause, the number of mistimed appearances and barren females
has this year been unusually great. In spring I bred a number of Orthosia munda ;
they were very fine, but marked by two peculiarities, — the absence of the black spots
in the wing in every individual, and in the females, the thin shrunk-up abdomen en-
tirely destitute of eggs. I was anxious to perpetuate the breed, that I might try the
result of a variety of food with the larvae, but the females seemed to possess no attrac-
tions whatever for the males, and I of course failed. In this case I thought the food
might have been the cause, as they were fed entirely on poplar. Last year, the female
Mamestra suasa that were taken here, were all of the thin-bodied kind, and not an
egg was obtained from them. This year the females were all plump, and invariably
deposited their eggs soon after being caught, while, on the other hand, every female
Orthosia populeti, O. miniosa, Glaea rubricosa, Apamea congener, Xylophasia scolo-
pacina, and Acronycta ligustri, that I have taken, have had the thin barren appear-
ance, and been evidently quite destitute of eggs. It would be curious to ascertain
whether this peculiarity is invariably the effect of external causes, or whether some
genera and species are more liable to it than others •, and such can only be done by
careful observation. Can it be that there is among moths, as among bees, Sec, a third
sex ? If so, as among bees, the perfect development of the female is known to be the
result of peculiar food ; so we may, perhaps, in this cause find a solution for the mys-
tery in question, and eventually be able to insure the perpetuation of rare broods by
attention to the food of the larvae. — Id.
Insects. 1661
Capture of Catocala Fraxini at Yarmouth. — A specimen of this insect was cap-
tured in or about the workhouse, in August last. Another was seen sitting upon the
wall next an upper window, but was not taken. — George Fitt, Jun.
Capture of Anticlea berberata near Chelmsford. — Observing Mr. Doubleday's note
respecting the capture of Anticlea berberata at Epping (Zool. 581), I thought it might
be worth stating, that I have taken a single specimen near here this year ; it was
beaten out of a hedge in June, appears to be a female, and is a little worn. — A.
Greenwood; Chelmsford, 9th December, 1846.
Capture of Glyphipteryx eximia near London. — I have met with this beautiful but
very local insect very plentifully in a lane leading from Hackney Marshes to Stratford ;
the first time I met with it on July 10th, 1842, and again, the 4th July, 1844, and in
1845 on the 30th June, and again, in 1846 on the 5th June, and took upwards of
100 specimens in one evening. — W. E. Pattenden; 25, Union Street, Kingsland Road,
London, January llth 1847.
Capture of Agdistes Bennetti in the Isle of Sheppy. — I took a specimen of this rare
plume, but injured by sweeping, on the 1st of August last, in the Isle of Sheppy, and
had another very fine one in my net, but could not secure it, it being blown out by the
wind, which was very strong all the morning. The afternoon was remarkable in the
country around London, for the great hail-storm. — Thomas Ingall ; Bank of England.
Remarkable aberrant structure in a specimen of Callimome. — A specimen of Calli-
mome elegans, forwarded to me by Mr. Clear, from Cork, presents a remarkable pe-
culiarity in the structure of the underside of the abdomen. The female of Callimome
and many other genera has a ridge along the abdomen beneath, at the end of it the
oviduct emerges, and is received into a groove till it reaches the tip of the abdomen,
where it passes between its sheaths. But this specimen instead of a ridge has a pro-
tuberance like a horn, more than half the length of the abdomen with which it forms
a right angle, the oviduct springs from its base. — Francis Walker.
Rose-galls, or Robin's pincushions. — These galls formed by Ehodites Kosae are also
inhabited by a smaller gall-fly, one of the inquilini, and by an Ichneumon fly. I
have also reared from them Eurytoma plumata, Callimome bedeguaris, C. macrop-
terus, and C. flavipes. — Francis Walker.
Capture of Chalcis sispes in the Isle of Sheppy. — I swept a single specimen from off
the rush ( Scirpus maritimus ). Last year I took four in the Isle of Sheppy; but I was
either too late this year, which I suppose was the case, or their scarcity arose from the
rushes having been cut down for food for donkeys, and were only half grown up again.
Of C. clavipes, which last year was in great plenty, I only took two or three. — Thomas
Ingall ; Bank of England.
Enumeration of the British Bees. — I have drawn up the following enumeration of
the genera and number of species of British bees, as far as I am at present acquainted
with them ; there are doubtless a few others scattered in collections, which I have not
had an opportunity of examining, but the result as to number is very remarkable,
since seventy-one of Kirby's species, consisting principally of sexes united to their
partners, have been sunk, and seventy-one new species discovered. This list will pro-
bably be interesting to some of the readers of the ' Zoologist,' and will doubtless be
looked upon as a curiosity at some future period, when entomology has reached the
advanced stage, towards which it has made such rapid strides of late years ; for it will
then show, how very limited was our knowledge of the actual number of indigenous
species of bees; for when remote parts of the country are carefully explored, many
V O
1662
Insects.
highly interesting species will doubtless be found, particularly in the genera Halictus,
Andrena, and Nomada. — Frederick Smith ; January 1st, 1847.
Genera.
Colletes
New
Species.
... 2
Sunk
Species.
No of
Species,
Kirby.
. 2
No of
Species,
Smith.
... 4
Hylaeus
Sphecodes ...
Halictus
... 9
2
... 8
... 2 .
... 7 .
. 4
. 6
. 25
... 13
... 6
... 26
Andrena
... 23
... 16 .
. 71
... 78
Cilissa
...
...
. 2
... 2
Dasypoda ...
Macropis ...
Panurgus ...
Nomada
... 1
... 7
... 16 .
1
. 3
.. 31
... 1
1
... 2
... 22
Melecta
1
...
1
... 2
Epeolus
Caelioxys ...
Stelis
... 3
... 2
1 .
1
. 2
. 2
... 4
... 4
Megachile ...
Anthocopa ?
Anthidium
... 4
1
1 .
. 6
1
... 9
... 1
... 1
Chelostoma
...
1 .
. 2
1
Heriades ...
...
...
. 2
... 2
Osmia
... 4
...
7
... 11
Eucera
...
... 3 .
. 4
1
Saropoda ...
Anthophora
Ceratina
...
... 3 .
. 6
. 2
1
... 3
... 2
... 1
Apis
Bombus
... 4
... 20 .
1
. 37
... 1
... 21
71
71
220
220
Description of British Bees belonging to the Genus Andrena of
Fabricius. By Frederick Smith, Esq.
Genus. — Andrena, Fabricius.
Apis, Linnaeus. Melitta, Kirby.
This is the most extensive genus of bees indigenous to Great Bri-
tain : I am at present acquainted with nearly eighty species, and no
doubt, many more remain to be discovered. Their sombre colouring,
and the very great similarity of many of the species, have no doubt,
in some degree, caused them to be somewhat more neglected than the
Insect*. 1663
larger or more gaily coloured species of bees. As far as I have ob-
served the habits of this genus, I have found them to be burrowers in
the ground, the species differing in the choice of their situations :
some prefering sloping banks of light earth, as A. bicolor, nigro-aenea,
tibialis, &c. ; others, as A. Rosae, fulvescens, albicrus, &c, choosing
hard-trodden sandy path-ways. Their burrows are usually from six
to ten inches in depth : having stored up a sufficient supply of pollen
and honey for one grub, the bee deposits an egg and closes up the
cell ; this she repeats until the necessary number of cells are stored ;
when, her task being completed, she carefully closes up the mouth of
the cell.
Notwithstanding all the care and assiduity with which these bees
protect and provision their nests, they are subject to the parasitic in-
trusion of various insects ; thus, the Genus Nomada are almost exclu-
sively parasitic upon these bees, some indeed, appear to attach them-
selves to particular species ; thus, Nomada ferruginata I never found
frequenting any other nests than those of A. fulvescens, — Nomada
baccata, those of A. argentipes, &c. : to some extent these connexions
appear constant, but occasional deviations from the force of circum-
stances will no doubt be met with. A wide field for investigation yet
remains unexplored as to the true nature of the connexion between
the industrious bee and its parasite. I have found the Nomada sex-
fasciata in the cells of Eucera longicornis, — and here I may observe
another instance of admirable foresight, a beautiful adaptation of eco-
nomy to circumstances — Eucera longicornis being a much larger in-
sect than its parasite, of course stores up double the quantity of food
required by one larva of the Nomada, two eggs are consequently de-
posited; whether this is always the case I do not know, but having
in two instances found it so, we may reasonably draw this conclusion.
Independently of the attacks of parasitic bees upon the food of the
larva, the bodies of the perfect insects are infested by various species
of Sty lops ! in my own collection I have about twenty different spe-
cies thus attacked. The orange-coloured larva of Meloe is also found
upon various species, as well as a larger black larva, named by Mr.
Kirby, Pediculus Melittae ; what this is really the larva of, has not
been correctly ascertained. I have also occasionally found a minute
species of Acarus infesting them.
The sexes of many of the species are so very dissimilar, that it is
only by close attention to their habits they can ever be correctly
united ; many are still unknown, but several have been ascertained
since the publication of Mr. Kirby's Monograph ; the following spe-
1664 Insects.
cies I have at various times taken in coitu, — Andrena albicans, ni-
tida, tibialis, fulva, Clarkella, fulvicrus, labialis, chrysosceles, albicrus,
fulvescens, and argentipes ; and this had enabled me to unite several
not previously ascertained. I have also carefully observed the times
of appearance of a large number of the species ; some, should the
weather prove favourable, are to be met with at the end of March, but
during April and May the majority are found : a few, however, are au-
tumnal insects. As a general rule, I have observed that those species
whose bodies are covered with pubescence, appear in early spring ;
others, as A. Rosae, ha3morrhoidalis, &c, whose bodies are nearly
naked, do not appear until the later and hotter months of the season.
Although these bees are solitary, each bee forming its own nest, still
at times they congregate in large numbers, forming extensive colonies;
the largest I ever observed, was one of A. fulvescens, occupying a
space of twenty yards in length, and about two in breadth ; the bur-
rows were innumerable, and so multitudinous were the bees, that hun-
dreds might be captured by sweeping a net over the ground.
Generic characters. — Antennae subclavate in the female, filiform in
the male ; mandibles long, much longer in the male than the female ;
labial palpi four-jointed ; maxillary palpi six-jointed ; the tongue
short, flat, generally acute, not folded backward ; the wings with one
marginal, and three submarginal cells ; the female furnished with a
floccus at the base of the posterior thighs, and the posterior tibiae and
first joint of the tarsus have a thick scopa, or pollen -brush. Abdomen
of the female ovate, having six segments, that of the male oblong-
ovate, or lanceolate, having seven segments.
Sp. 1. Andrena hemorrhoidals, Fab.
Melitta hcernorrhoidalis, Kirby.
Female — (Length 6 — 8 lines). Black, shining, the face thinly
clothed with griseous hair, a line of short silvery hair along the inner
margin of the eyes ; the antennae rufo-piceous beneath. Thorax
punctate, with three slightly impressed lines on the prothorax ; the
tegulae and nervures ferruginous ; the wings testaceous, their apical
margins clouded ; the legs have a fulvous pubescence, the floccus
pale fulvous, the scopa bright fulvous, the tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen
oblong-ovate, depressed, the first segment, excepting the extreme base,
is red, as is also the whole of the second, and the apical margin of the
third ; the second segment has a lateral black dot on the margin of the
Insects. 1665
second and third segments laterally, and continuously on the fourth is
a narrow fascia of white hairs ; the apical fimbria is rufo-fulvous ;
beneath the second segment is red.
Var. 2. — Only the margin of the first and base of- the second seg-
ment of the abdomen red.
Var. 3. — Abdomen black, the margins being only very obscurely
ferruginous.
Male. — (Length 6j lines). Black, the antennae piceous beneath, the
clypeus white, with two black dots; the thorax has a thin griseous
pubescence, sparing on the disk ; the tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen ob-
long-ovate, the margins of the segments slightly piceous and depres-
sed, with a pale fulvous pubescence at the tip.
This fine insect is the largest of the genus. Variety 1, is the Me-
litta Lathamana of Kirby, it is rare, the insect being generally found
altogether black. I once took this bee at Birch Wood, and also once
at Darenth Wood, Kent; I have known it to be taken three or four
times at the latter place, but not in any numbers, only three or four of
the red-banded variety have come to my knowledge, one of which I
captured myself in the beginning of August, 1839.
Sp. 2. Andrena Ros^e, Panzer.
Melitta Rosce, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 4$- — 6 lines). Black, the antennas piceous be-
neath ; the mandibles ferruginous at their tips, having a minute obtuse
tooth at their base, a little pale fulvous pubescence along the inner
margin of the eyes ; the clypeus coarsely punctured. Thorax very
delicately punctate, with large punctures regularly intermixed, a little
pale pubescence on the sides, and beneath; the disk generally naked;
the tegula) piceous ; the wings testaceous ; all the legs clothed with
pale fulvous hair; the scopa also pale beneath, but fuscous above.
Abdomen, the margin of the first, and the whole of the second and
third segments red, a black spot in the centre of the third, extending
a little within the margin of the second segment ; the apical fimbria
reddish brown ; beneath, the second segment is red.
Var. 2. — Abdomen, with the margin of the first segment laterally,
and of the second entirely red ; beneath, the sides of the second seg-
ment red.
Var. 3. — Only the sides of the second segment red, above and
beneath.
Var. 4. — Only the sides of the second segment beneath red.
1666 Insects.
Male. — (Length 4 lines). Black, the antennae as long as the head
and thorax, the joints slightly curved ; the face clothed with pale
brown hair. Thorax, the sides clothed with pale fulvous hair, very
thinly so on the disk ; the tegulae dark piceous ; wings subtcstaceous,
the apical margins clouded, the posterior tibiae and all the tarsi rufo-
piceous; the claws ferruginous. Abdomen lanceolate, nigro-piceous,
the apical margins of the two basal segments rufo-piceous, sometimes
of only the basal segment, the apical segment has a pale fulvous pu-
bescence ; beneath, the second, and sometimes the base of the third
segment pale ferruginous.
This is the true Andrena Rosae of Panzer; Mr. Kirby's varieties 4
and 5 belong to a distinct species, which I shall next describe. The
male of A. Rosae is the Melitta zonalis of Kirby's monograph. This
is one of the rarest species of the genus : some years ago, I captured
a single female at Darenth, Kent; and on the 11th of August, 1844,
at Shirley, near Croydon, I took twelve specimens, three males in com-
pany, and this circumstance, united to their specific resemblance,
satisfies me as to their indentity. Mr. Heales, also met with two or
three females at Hastings, in 1844. The range of variety in this spe-
cies is very great, every shade occurring between the highly coloured,
and black specimens ; the highly coloured are the most rare.
Sp. 3. Andrena rubricata, Smith.
Female. — (Length 6|- lines). Black, the face clothed with a yel-
lowish-brown pubescence ; the antennae rufo-piceous beneath ; the
thorax has a pale fulvous pubescence, darkest on the disk ; the tegulae
dark piceous; wings subhyaline, clouded at their margins; thefloccus
at the base of the posterior femora beneath, is pale yellow, as is also
the scopa beneath, above it is dark brown ; claws ferruginous. Ab-
domen punctate, the apical margin of the first segment red, the second
laterally, its margin, also that of the third, and sometimes of the
fourth also, red ; the apical fimbria fuscous, beneath the second seg-
ment is sometimes red laterally.
Male. — (Length 5— 5j lines). Black, head rather wider than the
thorax, the pubescence on both pale fulvous ; the legs have a reddish
brown pubescence ; the tarsi are ferruginous. Abdomen punctate,
ovate-lanceolate, the margin of the first, and the whole of the second
segment red, the margin of the third rufo-piceous ; or, only the margin
of the first and second, and sometimes of the third, rufo-piceous ;
Insects. 1667
beneath the second segment is generally red, with a black stain in the
centre.
This is a very distinct species from A. Rosae. Mr. Kirby's varieties,
4 and 5 are identical with it. Mr. Kirby conjectures they may be
distinct, and notices the absence of the minute obtuse tooth at the
base of the mandibles of the female: another character will at once
separate them, the abdomen of A. Rosae is not punctate, or very
delicately so, but that of rubricata is regularly and distinctly so. The
antennae of the male of the present species are only about two-thirds
the length of those of A. Rosae, and the joints are not bent. The
female seldom varies, but the male has sometimes the second segment
of the abdomen red ; this variety is however rare. I have met with
both sexes abundantly at High gate, Weybridge, andHawley, Hants;
it appears about the middle of June.
I have observed that this bee seldom frequents any flower but that
of the wild bryony.
Sp. 4. Andrena decorata, Smith.
Female. — (Length 6 — 6j lines). Black, the antennas piceous be-
neath ; the face clothed with a pale fulvous pubescence. Thorax
coarsely punctured, the sides and beneath have a pale fulvous pubes-
cence, sparing on the disk ; the tegulae rufo-piceous ; the nervures tes-
taceous ; the floccus very pale fulvous : the scopa fulvous ; all the
tarsi rufo-piceous ; the claws ferruginous. Abdomen, the basal seg-
ment has a broad red fascia on its apical margin, the second is red
laterally, as well as its margin ; the anal fimbria is reddish brown ;
beneath, the second segment is red, with a black stain in the centre.
Male. — (Length 5 J lines). Black, the face has a light brown pu-
bescence ; the antennae are as long as the head and thorax, the joints
slightly curved; the thorax has a pale fulvous pubescence on the
sides, sparing on the disk ; the tegulae rufo-piceous ; the nervures tes-
taceous ; the legs rufo-piceous; all the tarsi pale testaceous ; claws
ferruginous. Abdomen lanceolate, the margins of the three basal seg-
ments rufo-piceous ; beneath the second segment and apical margin
of the third rufo-piceous ; the second has sometimes a dark stain in the
centre.
This species approximates closely to A. Rosae, but is quite distinct;
the female differs from that of A. Rosae in having the thorax deeply
and closely punctured, and scopa bright fulvous. The male differs
from the same sex of A. Rosae, in having the neuration of the wings
1668 Insects.
much more delicately pale, in its more slender legs and paler tarsi.
Of this beautiful species I captured two specimens of each sex at
Birch Wood, Kent, in 1842, since which, I have not met with it. I
expect it is extremely local and rare.
Sp. 5. Andrena cingulata, St. Fargeau.
Nomada cingulata. Fab. male. Andrena labiata, Fab. female.
Melitta cingulata, Kirby. Apis albilabris, Panzer, male.
Female. — (Length 4j lines). Black, shining, the pubescence cine-
reous, a line of short white hair along the inner margin of the eyes ;
the antennae rufo-piceous beneath. Thorax, the tegulae rufo-piceous ;
the wings subhyaline, their apex slightly fuscous ; the nervures nigro-
piceous; the floccus white, as well as the scopa beneath, above it is
fulvous. Abdomen ovate, finely punctured, the second and third seg-
ments red, the second has on each side a small black dot, the anal fim-
bria fulvous ; beneath, the second, third, and base of the fourth seg-
ments red.
Male. — (Length 4 lines). Black, with a white pubescence ; the
clypeus white, with two black dots; the antennae fulvous beneath.
Thorax, the tegulae piceous ; the wings as in the female. Abdomen
oblong-ovate, very convex, the second, third, and base of the fourth
segments laterally red, the second has a minute black dot on each
side.
This species does not appear to be subject to much variation. I
have frequently captured it in the neighbourhood of London, in May
and June ; but it is rather a local species.
Sp. 6. Andrena Cetii.
Andrena marginata, Fab. — St. Fargeau. Apis Cetii, Schrank. Me-
litta Schrankella, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 lines). Black ; the antennae fuscous, the scape
black ; the face has a thin hoary pubescence ; the clypeus coarsely
punctured ; a line of short silvery hair along the inner margin of the
eyes. The thorax has a pale fulvous pubescence; the tegulae black;
the wings subhyaline, their apex slightly clouded ; the legs have a
cinereous pubescence, which is also the colour of the floccus, and of
the scopa beneath, the latter is of a brownish-black above. Abdomen
oblong-ovate, clothed with a thin fulvous pubescence, the margin of
the first segment, and the whole of the second and third red ; or with
Insects. 1669
merely the base of the third red, the second and third segments with
a lateral black dot, sometimes also a central dot ; in some instances
only the margins of the segments are rufo-piceous : beneath, one, two
or three segments red.
Male. — (Length 4 lines). Brown-black, clothed with pale fulvous
pubescence ; the antennae fuscous ; the clypeus white, with two black
dots ; the wings subhyaline, their apex clouded. The abdomen ob-
long-ovate, the margins of the segments slightly piceous, tip of the
abdomen pale fulvous ; beneath, the segments have a marginal fringe
of pale fulvous hair.
The female of this species is extremely variable in the colouring of
the abdomen, every shade of variety occurring between the extremes
described. The pale fulvous pubescence of recent specimens soon
fades, so that the general character is hoary. Mr. Kirby's Melitta af-
finis is undoubtedly a variety of A. Cetii. I possess a similar variety
taken in company with the highly coloured specimens. Mr. Kirby
used to take the female in Suffolk ; the male he did not know, and I
believe it is now first described. I have taken this bee in Hamp-
shire, and have received specimens from Mr. S. Stevens, taken by him
in Sussex, in August.
Sp. 7. Andrena spinigera.
Melitta spinigera, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 6 lines). BJack, with a fulvous pubescence; the
mandibles ferruginous at their tips ; the face clothed with dark brown
hair. Thorax, the tegulae dark piceous ; the wings hyaline, their ner-
vures piceous ; the legs dark rufo-piceous ; the floccus and scopa be-
neath pale fulvous, the latter dark brown above ; the tarsi ferruginous.
Abdomen, two minute dots on the basal segment, its margin, and also
the margin of the second, ferruginous ; the apical fimbria black ; be-
neath, the second segment is sometimes wholly, sometimes only at the
base red.
Var. 2. — The red spots on the basal segment obsolete.
Male. — (Length 5 — 5 J lines). Black, with a light brown pubes-
cence ; head large, the pubescence on the face black ; the mandibles
long and curved, their tips ferruginous and acute, having a long fili-
form spine at their base beneath ; the antennae nearly as long as the
head and thorax, the joints slightly curved. Thorax, the tegulae pi-
ceous ; the wings hyaline, their apical margin clouded ; the tarsi fer-
v p
1670 Insects.
ruginous. Abdomen lanceolate, the margins of the segments rufo-pi-
ceous.
Var. 2. — Abdomen with the second segment red at the base.
Var. 3. — Abdomen, the margin of the first, the whole of the second,
and the base of the third red.
This species is rare. I have taken both sexes at Highgate, but not
in any numbers. Mr. Kirby has described his insect as a female,
which is certainly a mistake in printing, the original specimen in the
Kirbyan collection being ticketed as a male. The red-belted variety
described, is in my collection, and the only one I have seen ; it was
captured by Mr. S. Stevens, at Bexley, Kent, in the beginning of
April, which is the usual time of its appearance. It also occurs in the
New Forest, Hants.
Sp. 8. Andrena ferox, Smith.
Male. — (Length 4j lines). Black, a few pale fulvous hairs on the
face ; the clypeus very bright and shining, with large distinct punc-
tures ; the antennae nigro-piceous, as long as the head and thorax ;
the mandibles long, bent, and acute at their apex, having a short acute
tooth at their base beneath ; the head is one-third wider than the
thorax. Thorax, the tegulae piceous, wings hyaline, their apical
margins slightly clouded, the nervures testaceous ; the apex of the
anterior and intermediate tibiae, the whole of the posterior pair, and all
the tarsi pale rufous. Abdomen lanceolate, the margin of the first and
second segments are rufo-piceous ; beneath, the second and third seg-
ments are rufo-piceous.
This is one of the most remarkable insects which I have seen be-
longing to the genus : its large disproportionate head, and its curved
long mandibles armed at their base, render it a most ferocious-looking
insect ; its female is not known. It is very distinct from A. spinigera ;
its tooth, or spine, is not more than half as long as in that species, and
its legs are of quite a different colour. This species was first cap-
tured by Mr. Devignes near Windsor, and to that gentlemen I am
obliged for my specimen ; the science is thus again indebted to Mr.
Devignes, who has, by his labours, in several instances, added nume-
rous rare and interesting insects to the British Fauna.
(To be continued.)
Insects. 1671
Preserving of the Honey Bee. — Mr. Hughes' " desire (Zool. 1459) to see a better,
a more humane system prevail among our poorer apiarians," by circulating among
them "a 'plain and simple letter" on the subject, may be obtained far more easily
through Mr. Cotton's " short and simple letter to cottagers" than by his " Bee Book."
The " Bee Book " is a large volume, beautifully got up, and I think half-a-guinea, if
not more in price ; whereas his short and simple letter is to be had at three-pence, from
the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, Great Queen Street, Lincoln's Inn
Fields. It was formerly published at Oxford, at two-pence. — G. Gordon ; Birnie,
Elgin, N.B.
A huge Tree destroyed in one year, by a longicorn Beetle. — There stood, two years
ago, on the Peninsula Colabah, a large and flourishing Adansonia digitata, about
three hundred years old, and forty-four feet in circumference, and which in one year
was entirely destroyed by Lamina sentis, belonging to the family of Capricorn beetles.
Looking at the outer bark there were, with the exception of a few holes, no traces ob-
servable of (the devastation) its destruction. This beetle is eaten by the natives, and
when preserved in sugar, is regarded as a great delicacy by the Chinese and Malays. — ,
Orlick's Travels in India, vol. i, p. 58, — Isaac Taylor, (trans.) August 4th, 1846.
Notes on the habits of the Dyschirii. — There are few groups of our British Coleop-
tera which have been more neglected than the Dyschirii. Partly from their apparent
rarity, and partly from other causes, most entomologists assert that they " cannot find
them." Whether it is that they are not generally searched for, or that the research be
fruitless, it is impossible to say ; but so far as my experience goes, I should be inclined
to ascribe their " rarity " to the former cause, for I seldom fail myself of obtaining an
abundance of specimens in positions, similar to those hereafter to be mentioned, which
experience has shown me are most likely to produce them. Although they occur both
inland, and upon the coast, it is the latter which affords by far the greater number of
species ; which is, perhaps, one reason why the generality of our entomologists are, for
the most part unacquainted with them. There are but two soils on which I have my-
self ever succeeded in procuring them in any abundance ; the first is sand, which is
by far the most prolific : and the second, — the alluvial deposits of the fens ; which also
produce a profusion of specimens, but usually only two or three species. Owing to
much confusion which has existed, I am aware of the extreme difficulty of arriving at
satisfactory conclusions respecting their true names ; nevertheless, partly from my own
exertions, but more particularly through the kindness of my friend Mr. Haliday, who
has lent me his valuable assistance, I have succeeded in giving the species those titles
which appear to be the most legitimate. The fens in the Isle of Ely and in the
neighbourhood of Cambridge, have one species which is most abundant ; this is the
common gibbus. A flood never occurs without washing them up in the greatest pro-
fusion ; and during the whole summer months they may be found by hundreds, under
the decayed sedge and rubbish, which is cleared out of the ditches, aud allowed to re-
main in heaps along the banks. At Whittlesea Mere and in the adjoining fens of Hun-
tingdonshire, there are two species which may be literally said to abound. These are
ameus ( Zeigler, De Jean, Erichson and Heer), and a minute species which I had
named minimus (of Curtis), but which Mr. Haliday is inclined to consider a small
variety of gibbus. The first of these is a very distinct species, and has been usually
looked upon as one of the rarest of the genus. Mr. Haliday captured a few specimens
of it some years ago near Holywood, in the north of Ireland ; and on examining a
long and variable series which I sent for his inspection, observed to me that the species
1672 Insects.
aeratus (with a fold down the forehead), is without doubt one of the varieties of asneus,
the insect under consideration, to which therefore it ought to be referred. My series
contains a great number of varieties ; one of which (a black and tolerably common
one), corresponds exactly with the tristis of Stephens, having the same " obscure hue
and pitchy apex to the elytra " which he describes. The second species referred to, —
so abundant in the Huntingdonshire fens, and which I had named minimus of Cur-
tis,— whether it be strictly referred to minimus or gibbus I am not able to decide ; but
if it be a small variety of the latter (which Mr. Haliday thinks probable), it is cer-
tainly a permanent one, for, out of hundreds which I have taken, the size is invariable,
and always smaller than the typical size of gibbus. Singularly enough, in a communi-
cation which I received a short time ago, from my friend Mr. Dale, be mentions (in
answer to a question which I put to him " whether he possessed any Dyschirii), that,
when on a visit to Whittlesea Mere, some years ago, he " captured three or four spe-
cimens of Dyschirius minimus," and this without my having ever disclosed to him that
I had also taken there in profusion, what I considered to be the self-same species ;
from which it appears that his species and mine must be the same, and that, therefore,
if it be not distinct from gibbus, the variety is at least a permanent one. Happening
to be there on an entomological trip during June of the present year, I had a good op-
portunity of observing the habits of the two species just referred to. Unlike the Hesper-
ophili (which are nearly always found in the same localities), they only come out during
the heat of the day, and may be seen, running in multitudes on the muddy flats which
occur on the sides of the loads and the edges of the mere, and which often, during the
winter season, form impassable barriers to the sportsman. By sitting down on the
edges of these flats in a scorching sun, I have at times experienced much amusement
by seizing the insects as they rushed from one crevice to another, — where, with Dys-
chirii and other species, a bottle may very shortly be filled. In addition to the Dys-
chirii,—Georyssus pygmaeus, Heterocerus pusillus, ? Lopha paecila and Doris, Nota-
phus undulatus, Peryphus littoralis and Elaphrus cupreus may be seen running in the
utmost profusion, with occasional specimens of Dromius bipennifer, Elaphorus uligi-
nosus and Omaseus aterrimus. Much in the same locality in Carmarthen, in South
Wales, I might have taken the common Dyschirius gibbus by tens of thousands, in 1845,
on the banks of the river Towey ; it is, however, a species which appears to be equally
common on the coast as well as inland, delighting almost as much in the sand, as in the
deep peaty soil of the lowlands. In the Isle of Wight, last May, when in company
with my friend Mr. Dawson, we could have captured hundreds in a single sand-heap
(which had been formed by part of a cliff giving way between Ventnor and Shanklin),
in which we found them burrowed to the depth of more than a foot. At Tenby in
Pembrokeshire, I have likewise taken the same species, accompanied with a single
specimen of the beautiful Dyschirius nitidus ; also at Northam Burrows near Bide-
ford (on the north coast of Devon), on the sand-hills facing the sea. At Lowestoft, on
the coast of Suffolk, I met with a plentiful harvest during the early part of last July,
where I obtained a fine series of the species nitidus and thoracicus by the following
simple process : — the cliffs being composed of sand, I used to stroll along the beach
until I saw a Dyschirius making his way at their base, when instead of immediately
taking him up, I sat quietly down and observed to what crevice he was tending;
having watched him safely in, I then split off the sand in extremely thin layers, when
numbers of his own species were sure to fall out ; this plan I found far more success-
ful than merely splitting away the cliff at random, for the Dyschirii being very grega-
Insects. 1673
rious in their habits, a long time might elapse before their places of concealment were
found out ; whereas, by watching them to their holes, the object was immediately ob-
tained. It is a remarkable circumstance (and one which I have never seen recorded),*
that they are nearly always found in company, as I have before stated, with one or
other of the species of the brachelytrous genus Hesperophilus. Where I have observed
the one, I have scarcely ever failed of finding the other : without strict observations
this might not often be apparent, for the two genera being in their times of appearance
essentially dissimilar, — the Dyschirii coming out only in the heat of the sun, and the
Hesperophili (as indeed their name imports) solely in the evening, — it is not likely
that this singular fact would be noticed : nevertheless, while capturing the Dyschirii
by the above mentioned plan, I have scarcely ever failed of finding at the same time,
one or other of the species of Hesperophilus, and often in such close connexion with
them, that it is perfectly impossible to take the one without upsetting the haunts of
the other. At Lowestoft, this was particularly remarkable, where, closely mixed up
with the Dyschirii already alluded to, were positively hundreds of the beautiful little
Hesperophilus arenarius. It is curious to speculate on what could be the object of this
excessive intimacy, for so far as company is concerned, the habits of the species are
too dissimilar, to render them of much service to each other ; inasmuch, as when the
Hesperophili are " at home," the Dyschirii are abroad, — and when the Dyschirii are "at
home,'' the Hesperophili are abroad ! This great fact was most admirably illustrated
at Lowestoft, where, during the heat of the day, the Dyschirii might be observed sport-
ing rapidly about in the sun-shine, but verily, not the ghost of an Hesperophilus
" Shewed o'er the arid waste his misty form."
In the evening, however, the Dyschirii had entirely disappeared, and their place was
taken by their little Brachelytrous cohabitants, who were ranging far and wide over the
surface of the sand, though with much slower and clumsier movements than were dis-
played in the rapid and easy motions of Dyschirius. At Whittlesea Mere also, in
company with the Dyschirii above referred to, I captured Hesperophilus arenarius ;
whereas, in the locality at Tenby, in which Dyschirius nitidus and gibbus occurred, the
absence of arenarius was supplied by its generic representative, fracticornis. In the
Isle of Wight, the ' amalgamation ' we are discussing, was quite as extraordinary as at
Lowestoft. Here, however, in addition to the little Hesperophilus arenarius (which
was in the utmost profusion), the Dyschirii were mixed up with the large and beautiful
Bledius armatus, — a genus which is well known to be closely allied to Hesperophilus,
and whose habits are in every way the same, — and so intimately were the three genera
* Since writing the above, it has given me great pleasure to learn from my friend
Mr. Haliday, that he has observed the same circumstance in the north of Ireland.
In an interesting communication of his, on the' Zoology of Lough Neagh,' read by
Mr. Thompson, of Belfast, before the British Association at Southampton, in Septem-
ber last, speaking of Dyschirius thoracic us, he makes the following observations : — " I
have usually found this insect about the burrows of Bledius tricornis, but though I
searched for the last genus, expecting to meet with some of the section Hesperophilus,
to my surprise I could discover but a single Bledius subterraneus (Erich).'''' Mr.
Haliday also writes me word, that the same fact has been observed by Mr. Rudd, who
registered an account of it in the Ent. Mag. ii. 181, which, however, I have not yet
had an opportunity of referring to.
1674 Insects.
diffused throughout the sand (which was a heap of only a few feet in circumference!)
that, although three of us were at work at it for half-an-hour, ' bottling off' its tenant,
as quickly as possible, we scarcely succeeded at the end of that time in exhausting the
locality! I must here conclude my remarks on the Dyschirii. Should any of the
readers of the ' Zoologist' be able to confirm my observations on the habits of this in-
teresting genus, or be induced, by means of them, to devote a little time to the inves-
tigation of its economy, it would give me great pleasure to know the result of their re-
searches, and see how far they may be made to coincide with my own.— .T. V. Wollas-
ton ; Jesus College, Cambridge.
A proposed postscript to Mr. Wollaston's note on Nebria livida, (Zool. 1517.) — I
should mention that my friends the Wolleys, first told me of this Bridlington locality,
with full particulars. They found it out eleven or twelve years ago, and had the
pleasure of announcing it to Mr. Arthur Strickland, of Bridlington, who at that time
had only two or three specimens from Scarborough, which he valued greatly. The old
story was, that Nebria livida was to be found " under heaps of sea-weed at high water
mark," and in such situations they searched for it in vain, at Bridlington, Flamborough,
Filey, and Scarborough ; but at least George Wolley found one accidentally, when
grubbing under a bank for fishing-baits, within the harbour of Bridlington, and almost
simultaneously, his brothers found it in plenty in the cliffs, for several miles along
the south sands, living in the numerous cracks and fissures. They never found it
between Bridlington and Flamborough, i. e. on the north cliffs, which are not so sandy
as those to the south. J. W. has also found it in similar situations at Scarborough. —
J. Wolley ; 26, Mount Street, 23rd November, 1846.
Carabus catenulatus attracted by sugar. — Having heard that this species is fre-
quently taken by persons sugaring for moths, I was led to think it not entirely carnivo-
rous. I took a specimen, and fed it during three weeks upon morsels of apple, which
it consumed very greedily, and seemed not at all the worse for a vegetable diet. At
last it escaped. I also fed a Carab. nemoralis upon apples, but it showed very little
relish, and died in the third week.— J. W. Slater.
Capture of Coleoptera in the North of England.
Blemus pallidus. In my note on Blemus paludosus (Zool. 1237,) I remark the
general paleness of the specimens i on comparison, I find them identical with speci-
mens of B. pallidus sent to Mr. Hardy, from the Isle of Wight, by the Rev. J. F.
Dawson. I have this season, again met with it in April and May.
Peryphus lunatus. I have this season found it equally abundant. It varies much
in colour according to age ; the recently developed specimens have the elytra pale,
with the crescent-shaped spot large ; and some mature individuals (more particularly
the males), have the spot obliterated, its place being indicated by a slight tinge of rust-
colour.
P. Leachii ? I have specimens which agree pretty well with Mr. Stephens' descrip-
tion of this species. They were taken on the banks of the Derwent.
Peryphus atroceeruleus. I find that I have a good number of specimens of this spe-
cies. I had confounded it with cnemerythrus.
Elmis Volkmari, E. variabilis, E. ceneus, E. cupreus. I got these four species in
company on weed, in a mill-tail near Newcastle, in September : the second and third
in abundance. I have since then found them equally abundant in Cumberland.
Stenhelmis parallelipipedus. I captured a single specimen adhering to the under-
side of a stone, in a mossy stream or ' beck ' in Cumberland.
Insects. 1675
Hydrcena riparia. Common, particularly in stagnant-pools, adhering to the under-
side of floating leaves.
Micropeplus porcatus. Occasionally found in grassy places.
Micropeplus staphylinoides. I got a good number of this species at Long-Benton,
in October 1843, flying over decaying straw and dung.
Atomaria nigripennis. Occurs in abundance, in cellars, adhering to the the under-
side of boards in damp places.
Holoparamecus depressus. I have two specimens of this apparently rare species ;
they were taken in a shop-wiudow in Newcastle.
Ips 4-pustulatus. I captured a dozen or two of this fine species, in posts and
stumps of Scotch-fir (Pinus sylvestris), at Walton Wood, Cumberland, in June.
Ips 4-guitatus. I took a solitary individual marching leisurely up a fir-post in the
same wood. f
Ips ferruginea. In the same locality as the others, but in much greater numbers :
it more particularly affects the stumps of such fir-trees as have been cut down for some
twelve or eighteen months, running its burrows considerably below the level of the ad-
jacent soil.
Monotonia picipes, M. angustata. I find both species on hot-bed frames, in May,
June and July.
Rhyzophagus ferrugineus, R. depressus, R. dispar. In posts and stumps of Scotch-
fir, I found the first and last in great abundance at Walton Wood, in June : some of
the large stumps being tenanted by hundreds of individuals.
Trogosita mauritanica. One of our imported species. It is brought from the East
Indies by the trading- vessels which frequent the port. I have seen great numbers of
the larvae in Madras rice, where I have also found Silvanus Surinamensis, S. dentatus,
S. unidentatus, and Calandra Oryzae. T. mauritanica is of frequent occurrence in
shops and warehouses in this town, and I have received it from the country, where it
was found amongst flour.
Dermestes lardarius. Of frequent occurrence in houses and shops. Is it well au-
thenticated, that the larvae feeds on bacon ? I find them amongst rubbish in drawers,
and other neglected places.
Abrceus globosus. Common beneath boards on dung, around hot-beds. I find that
boards placed on dung around hot-bed frames, to be a very productive method of col-
lecting, especially for many minute species, and Brachelytra.
Oxyomus Sabuleti. I got a pair on the sandy banks of the Irthing, and Mr.
Thomas Pigg, Jun., has a specimen, taken by the Derwent-side.
Necrobia quadra, N. ruficollis. Plentiful in carcasses. I once saw great numbers
of larva, pupa and imago, in the putrid carcass of a dead dog.
Necrobia rufipes. Occasionally in carcasses. I have several specimens taken
amongst cheese in shops.
Ptinus hololeucus. Common ; appears about midsummer, in warehouses and other
places. I once saw hundreds crawling on sacks containing foreign tares, those sacks
were coated over with silk, beneath which were great numbers of larvae, but whether or
not, they were the larvae of this insect, I was unable to determine.
Gibbium scotias. This grotesque fellow is abundant with us, and is generally found
in neglected corners of old houses. I have had a good supply from Long Benton,
which is some three miles or so into the country.
Anobium molle. Has occurred in profusion near Newcastle, inhabiting Scotch-fir
1676 Insects.
palings. The tips of the elytra are much paler than the rest of the insect, a peculi-
arity not noticed by Mr. Stephens. It has a strange partiality for amputating legs
and antennae : the first that I took, and put into quills, actually did not leave each
other a leg to stand on : I noticed it from the end of May up to the present time. Mr.
Hardy has noticed it in Berwickshire, and found a few stray specimens in Gateshead. —
Thomas John Bold ; 42, Bigg Market, Newcastle-on-Tyne, August \9th, 1846.
Capture of Apion Limonii in the Isle of Sheppey. — I swept two specimens of this
insect from the same ground, and thereby established a new locality for both this and
Agdistes. Two species of Statice (Armeria and Limonium) grow in some parts of
Sheppey, and in the south bank of the Medway in great profusion, and the latter spe-
cies was in full bloom. — Thomas Ingall ; Bank of England.
Capture of Ctenicerus sanguinicollis in Cambridgeshire. — Three specimens of this
rare insect have lately occurred at Fulbourn, near Cambridge, and are now in my
possession. I had them for a fortnight alive, for the sake of watching their habits.
They are much more active than the generality of the Elateridae, and, when let loose
on the table, ran with such activity that it was often difficult to re-secure them. Three
specimens were taken from the same tTee last year, one of which is also in my collec-
tion. Their capture was recorded in the * Zoologist ' by my friend, the Rev. Hamlet
Clark, of Northampton, who possesses the remaining pair. — T. Vernon Wollaston ;
Jesus College, Cambridge, March 6th, 1847.
Occurrence of Trichius fasciatus near Ponty-y-pool. — In reply to the observations
of Mr. Weaver, (Zool. 1460) that the above insect has not been captured within
twenty years, I beg leave to state that I caught one specimen about a mile and a half
from this town about eight or nine years ago ; it is the only one I have met with ; it
was entering one of the flowers of a foxglove a few yards distance from where I stood.
Not having seen one before, I thought it was one of the smaller yellow humble bees,
and was very careful when opening the flower to avoid being stung, but to my surprise
when I had secured it, instead of a bee I found I had a beetle imprisoned. I have
always understood that it was to be found about Swansea and towards Pembrokeshire.
I cannot at present refer to my authority for that statement. Entomology has been
so little cultivated in this part of the kingdom, that it very probably may yet be found
in some of the intervening places between here and Swansea; as to its absence from
England, although we are in this county situated in England according to the civil
and political divisions of the kingdom, yet from the natural divisions of the country,
soil, climate and general aspect of the county, it may without any strain of language
be still considerd as a portion of South Wales. — James Bladon ; Ponty-y-pool.
Capture of Trichius fasciatus near Neath- — I took a single specimen of this beau-
tiful insect on a blossom of Carduus heterophyllus near the falls at the top of Neath
Vale. — Alfred R. Wallace, Neath. [The other insects in my correspondent's list are
scarcely worth publishing. — E. Neivman].
Descriptions of a few Australian Beetles of the Order Ceramby cites.
The beetles to which I have attempted to assign descriptions were brought over
from Australia by Lieutenant (now Commander) M. R. Ince, late of H.M.S. Fly,
and I am indebted to the kindness of his brother, W. H. Ince, Esq. for the opportunity
of examining them. The first and second belong to the family Cerambycidae, the
others to the family Lamiidae.
Callidium vexatum. Brown. Antennae 1 1-jointed, slender, slightly hairy, the
third joint much the longest, especially in the male, in which sex the entire antenna is
Insects. 1677
also much longer. The diameters of the prothorax are about equal ; the lateral mar-
gins are rounded and perfectly unarmed ; the dorsal surface somewhat flattened and
scabrous, as with confluent punctures. The elytra are as wide as the prothorax
in the male, wider in the female; their lateral margins straight; their apices
rounded exteriorly, and having the sutural angle rather acute ; their dorsal surface
covered, first, with very short grayish down, secondly, with small, but distinct equi-
distant punctures, and thirdly, with equidistant pustules, which are less numerous than
the punctures as one to ten. The legs are simple, the femora having only a moderate
incrassation. (Length of the body 1 inch, breadth -325 inch). A common insect
something like Phacodes lentiginosus, and both are frequently referred to the Calli-
dium obscurum of Fabricius ; I cannot say with what justice, as that author does not
mention one character peculiar to the insects ; in fact, his description, brief as it is,
will not suit either of them. The query attached above to the name Callidium is in-
tended to imply that the insect does not belong to the genus Callidium as now
restricted.
Callidium P vittigerum. Antennae not exceeding two-thirds of the length of the
body, incrassated towards the tip, black, 11-jointed, the basal joint robust, all the joints
except the short second joint of nearly equal length ; head black, elongate anteriorly ;
prothorax rounded laterally, slightly flattened dorsally, much wider than the head,
of nearly equal length and width, covered with confluent punctures, black, with four
white pilose longitudinal vittae, two, dorsal and distant, and two, lateral : elytra,
slightly wider than prothorax, rounded at apex, slightly produced at the shoulders,
testaceous, with a white pilose subsutural vitta on each, extending throughout its
length ; legs short, simple, ferruginous. (Length '45 inch, breadth *125 inch). A
single specimen only occurs in Mr. Ince's collection.
Lagocheirus Inceii. Of a rich velvety brown colour, variegated with a few mark-
ings, the most conspicuous of which is an abbreviated whitish fascia on each elytron,
commencing on the costal margin below the shoulder, extending on to the back, and
terminating much before the suture ; below this, on each elytron, is a dark fuscous
macula. (Length of the body \ inch, breadth 2 inches). This, too closely resembles a
common Brazilian species, and is the first example I have seen from Australia. Can
there be any mistake as to the country ? I have the pleasure of dedicating this spe-
cies to Captain Ince, at the request of his brother, W. H. Ince, Esq., to whose kind-
ness I am indebted for the opportunity of describing these insects. A single speci-
men only was procured.
Monohammus vastator. Entirely dark brown, approaching to black, the dorsal
surface of the prothorax and elytra being clothed with a short gray pubescence : this
pubescence has a mottled appearance, occasioned by the presence of glabrous spots or
patches, but as it appears the pubescence is very easily abraded, T cannot venture to
decide whether the glabrous markings are natural or caused by casualities. The an-
tenna? are very long in the male, exceeding by one-half the length of the body ; the
protibiae have a very distinct tooth near the extremity. A number of spe-
cimens were taken, some of them very fine, and the males appear to be much larger
than the females. (Length of the body 1*2 inches, breadth *4 inch ; expansion of the
antennae 5-g- inches. — Edward Newman.
Capture of the Migratory Locust at Yarmouth. — During the months of August
and September a great number of these insects were taken ; one gentlemen took fifteen,
and three times as many have been captured by different persons. I have myself
V Q
1678 Insects.
obtained ten from the people who are constantly employed on the denes. — George
Fitt, Jun.
Occurrence of the Locust in Devonshire. — Mrs. Griffiths has in her possession a
fine specimen of Gryllus migratorius, which was captured at Exmouth the latter end
of September, by her grandson, when his schoolfellow succeeded in taking four or five
of the same species. — Torquay, Nov. 9th, 1846.
Capture of the Locust near Manchester. — If you have had no communication on
the subject from the neighbourhood of Manchester, perhaps you would like to know
that one specimen at least of Gryllus migratorius has been found here ; I obtained
it alive on the 4th of September from some boys who had just knocked it down in a
small drying-ground in Coupland-street, Green Keys. — John S. Ashworth ; Hyde,
near Manchester, Oct. 3rd, 1846.
Occurrence of the Locust near Hull. — Having had an opportunity of noticing a few
facts with regard to the migration of the Gryllus migratorius in this part of the coun-
try, I thought that yon might like to know them, and have therefore taken the liberty
of addressing this letter to you, which I beg you will make what use of you choose.
September seems to be a favourite month for the visit of locusts to the British Isles,
as the following extracts from some of the newspapers which have fallen under my
observation will prove. Last year the ' Hull Packet ' of September 11th contains this
paragraph: "Locusts. — Avery good specimen of the Locusta migratoria is in the
possession of a gentleman at Sigglesthorne, where it was taken on Wednesday, in a
field of Mr. Richardson's, and several others have been caught in that neighbourhood
within the past week." The ' Mark Lane Express ' of September 14th : " The
Egyptian Locust. — A male specimen of this remarkable insect, Acrydiummigratorium,
was last week deposited in the Museum of the Philosophical Society at Leicester : in
circumference it measured 2^ inches, and from the tip of one wing to the other, when
expanded, 3f inches." The ' Hull Packet ' again, of September 25th : " Locusts. —
We recently noticed the capture, at Sigglesthorne, of a solitary insect of this tribe j sub-
sequently the whole coast between the Humber and the Tweed has been more or less
subject to inroads by myriads of locusts, apparently bending a course towards the south.
A few days ago a cloud of the creatures settled temporarily near Spurn Point, and
about the same time several stragglers were taken alive at Cleethorpes, (a sea-bathing
place, at the entrance of the Humber, and nearly opposite to Spurn Point), where
bottled locusts are now exhibited, feeding upon herbage, for the gratification of the
visitors." The ' Mark Lane Express ' a second time, even as late as the 12th of Oc-
tober, mentions these insects. The ' Stirling Observer ' shows " that there have been
flights of Egyptian locusts in different parts of Scotland ; one of these locusts has
been preserved alive in the Edinburgh Zoological Gardens.'' The earliest appearance
of this destructive creature of which I have seen notice taken occurs in the ' Hull
Packet ' of August 2lst, extracted from the ' Newcastle Journal,' also in the last year.
" Unwelcome Strangers. — A large flight of locusts passed over the town of Sunderland
on Monday evening last. They hovered over the neighbourhood of Hendon, and
numbers alighted on the hedges there, till on a crowd beginning to collect, they took
flight towards the south. They appeared to conduct their migration in close company.
Several of them were caught." On the 8th of last September a labouring man
brought me a fine specimen of this insect, which he had caught in one of our own
fields; I immediately destroyed it, and have it now in my possession in beautiful pre-
servation ; and on the 10th of the same month a lady brought me three of them alive
Insects. 1679
in a bottle. I placed them in a box, where they could have more room and freer ac-
cess to the air, and supplied them with plenty of green food, but, from their previous
confinement, they seemed to have suffered so much, that I thought it better to destroy
them about ten days after, fearing they would otherwise be injured as specimens ; one,
which has a considerable quantity of green in its colour, is now in the British Museum :
these three were taken close to Easington, a village on the Yorkshire coast, about five
miles from Spurn Point. I was at the latter place on the 29th of September, 1 846,
and from the quantity of dead specimens which the inhabitants had kept, as well as
the account they gave me, found that the newspapers had by no means exaggerated
the numbers in which these insects had appeared. — William Sherwood; Rysome
Garth, Patrington, Hull.
P.S. I omitted noticing that one of the three locusts which I had in the box de-
posited several eggs in a large cluster, which is now in the British Museum. —
W. S., March 9th, 1847.
The Caterpillar of Sphinx Convolvuli. — In August, 1814, I was reaping wheat
in a field, in the parish of Tibberton, Worcestershire, about five miles from Worcester,
and in that part of tlie field there was growing with the wheat a quantity of the plant
Convolvulus arvensis, amongst which I found two of the caterpillars of S. Convol-
vuli, full-grown ; I explained to the men that were reaping at the same time, that the
caterpillars would produce two beautiful moths ; unfortunately for me I had no
box to put them in, I attempted to secure them, but at night both escaped. —
Richard Weaver ; 152, Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham, March 4th, 1847.
Capture of Dictyonota crassicornis on the coast of Suffolk. — During an entomologi-
cal visit to Lowestoft, last June, my attention was attracted by the profuse appearance
of a little hemipterous insect, which turned out, on after examination, to be the Dic-
tyonota crassicornis of Curtis. My object being principally to investigate the species
of Dyschirius, and trace out their habitats, it was my chief amusement to spend the
hottest parts of the day on the beach, and examine the hollow ridges at the base of the
cliffs and the small pits formed in the dry parts of the sand. These casual excava-
tions formed traps for a large quantity of insects, which, unlike the Dyschirii, had not
sufficient strength to bear up against the strong gusts of wind which occasionally
swept over the sand, and carried everything which was superfluous from off its even
surface. If, therefore, such insects as Harpali and JEgialiae were oftentimes unable (as
was the case) to retain their positions, it is easy to understand why creatures so frail
and comparatively helpless as the Hemiptera should be wafted wholesale into the pits.
And such was the fact; for every hole and hollow ridge on the beach to the south
of the town was positively teeming with the beautiful Dictyonotae, hundreds of which
might be seen lying on their backs, wafted from off the sand. Mr. Dallas informs
me that he has taken them at Brighton from the grass facing the sea, but I have
never before heard of their occurrence in such profusion as at Lowestoft. — T. V. Wol-
laston; Jesus College, Cambridge, Dec. 18th, 1846.
Anomalous appearance of Insects. — The winter of 1845-6 was particularly mild, so
much so, that on the 20th of January I obtained a caterpillar of P. Brassicae which
was feeding on brocoli : in a few days afterwards it became a pupa, and emerged
on the 15th of the following May. The mild winter was succeeded by an unusually
hot summer, and (from the many interesting communications in the 'Zoologist') it
would appear that one or both of these circumstances were favorable for maturing
many Lepidoptera which are of rare occurrence. Nor shall I be surprised if the com-
1680 Insects.
ing season exhibit much irregularity in the time of appearance of many insects, if one
may infer anything from the following particulars : of a brood of A. aversata three
passed through the intermediate, and appeared in the perfect state in September,
while the rest remain of the size in which they usually pass the winter : of a brood of
M.Brassicag which went down in July, six emerged in September ; the rest, I suppose,
will appear this spring. In the same way three larvae of A. Caja outstripped the rest
of the brood and came out early in November ; the others are about half an inch long.
A single larva of a brood of G. bella grew rapidly, and the perfect insect appeared on
the 1st of October ; the rest are about one-third grown ; and of a brood of C. Alcines,
six or seven were full-grown in October, but have not yet emerged, while the remainder
are not more than half an inch long. I am quite aware of the objection, that these are
instances of larva? bred in confinement, and therefore we cannot argue from them to
such as are at liberty ; and this is true to a certain extent. But if such anomalies
have not occurred with larvae in confinement before, (and they have not to me), there is
surely a probability that similar anomalies may have occurred amongst those in a na-
tural state ; and I think there must have been such, for I took an example of L. im-
pura on the 5th of September, and another on the 12th, both apparently just emerged
from the chrysalis. I had two or three larvae of A. urticae (from eggs deposited in
June) which were full-fed about the middle of July ; these are still in the pupa state .
but on the 10th of October I found four larvae of the same species about two-thirds
grown, which must, I think, have come from eggs deposited by a moth from the July
brood of larvae. Again, late in September, I found some small larvae of P. meticulosa,
which continued to feed, and appeared in the winged state about the middle of No-
vember : now these must have been part of a brood of those which usually hybernate
in the larva state. About the same time I met with a larva of P. Gamma, which fed
and produced a moth on the 8th of November. This again, must, I think, have been
one of those- which usually pass the winter in the larva state, if any do, and this I
think probable, for P. percontationis and P. Iota certainly do. These circumstances
make it probable that part of the broods, which in ordinary seasons would have ap-
peared this spring, did in reality appear last autumn ; and supposing them to have
been prolific, there will be nothing wonderful if several moths, in the ensuing season,
are irregular in their appearance, and seem double-brooded. It is not from an idea
that these remarks will be of general interest that I have made them, but to induce
others to record (if the Editor will permit) similar anomalies in the pages of the
1 Zoologist.' — William Turner, M.A. ; Uppingham, March 3rd, 1847.
On the Feeling of Insects. — With regard to the feeling of insects, as much as been
said, and much may be said, on both sides, I would only beg to add that I think
there can be no doubt that whatever opinion any may form or have formed on the
subject, it will be the best and safest way for all to act on the supposition that they
have some, if not a very high degree of feeling, and accordingly to make it an unfail-
ing rule to kill them as instantaneously as possible. — F. O. Morris ; Nafferton Vicar-
age, Driffield, January \9th, 1847.
[I heartily join with the Rev. Mr. Morris in this recommendation, extending it
even to the hot-bottle and hot-plate experiments of gentlemen who advocate an oppo-
site view to my own. — Edward Newman].
Insects. 1681
A PROPOSED ACT OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE REMOVAL OF CER-
TAIN VULGAR PREJUDICES AND ABUSES RELATIVE TO THE
SUPPOSED CRUELTY EXERCISED TOWARDS THE INFERIOR
ANIMALS. (Published in the ' Ventnor Diamond,' No. I).
"Whereas it hath been the custom for certain individuals to publish
" books in order to induce children and others to treat animals tenderly, on
" the supposition that they are sensible to pain and suffering : And whereas,
" it has been proved by certain scientific persons, in a monthly periodical,
"called 'The Zoologist,' that insects in particular are incapable of feeling
" any pain whatever. Be it hereby Enacted, that as such works tend to
" propagate a falsehood and induce the tender minds of the rising generation
" to believe in what does not exist, it shall not be lawful to print and publish
" such works ; and all persons so printing and publishing them shall be liable
" to an action for misdemeanor.
Whereas neither the ' Zoologist,' nor any correspondent thereof, has advocated the
doctrine italicised by the ' Ventnor Diamond,' neither the Editor nor contributors feel
called on to defend such doctrine.
"And Whereas in the dramas of one Will. Shakspere it is stated
" that beetles, in particular, experience as great a degree of inconvenience and
" pain in being trod upon, as a full-grown giant would do under similar cir-
" cumstances, all printers and publishers shall be obliged to omit such pas-
" sage in any future editions of the dramas of the said Will. Shakspere, or
" passages of like import in future editions of any other works, the same being
" false ; seeing it has been reasonably and logically proved by said learned
" persons in said ' Zoologist,' that insects are incapable of suffering pain — and
" all printers and publishers neglecting to omit such passages shall likewise
" be liable to an action for misdemeanor.
Whereas Will. Shakspere was a poet and not a man of science, his opinion is not
admissible on either side ; but whereas Will. Shakspere's evidence, if taken entire, is
against the ' Ventnor Diamond,' we opine that the Diamond is wrong in citing him.
In the sacred volume we find this passage, " There is no God," but it is preceded by
these words, " The fool hath said in his heart." So Will. Shakspere's remark
on the subject has a true meaning, although by cutting off the commencement it con-
veys a false one.
" And Whereas it hath been the custom of children to pull the wings off
" from flies — the legs off daddy-long-legs, and especially to procure a certain
" insect called a cockchaffer, aud having run a pin through it, to set it spinning
" on a table, or bench, or other suitable smooth surface, whereby it will fizz
" round like a teetotum in a manner pleasing to behold — And Whereas cer-
" tain tender-hearted parents have been in the habit of scolding, cuffing, flog-
" ging, pinching the ears of, pulling the hair of, slapping, or otherwise chas-
" tising and incommoding said children, on the plea of their being guilty of
" supposed cruelty, whereby much joy ousness is prevented : Be it hereby En-
" acted, that, since it has been decided by the aforesaid learned persons, that
" such things as cockchaffers have no feeling, it shall not be lawful for such
" parents or others to punish, cuff, flog, pinch, pull hair, or otherwise incom-
1682 Insects.
" mode said children for so doing, but it shall be lawful for said children to
" stick pins through said cockchaffers, or other insects, and let them fizz round
" at any, and at all times, when disposed, except at church, during the hours
" of divine service, if said children shall be at church, without let or impedi-
"ment; Provided always, that nothing herein contained shall prevent
" parents from punishing children for any other fault by them committed.
Whereas charges of mirthful cruelty to insects are here made against those who
doubt their excessive sensibility, the' Ventnor Diamond' is reminded that the only in-
stance of merry-making at the sufferings of insects occurs from the pen of one of his
partizans, — the hot-plate experiment to wit.
" And Whereas it hath also been the custom of boys at school to procure
" a certain creature, called a toad, and having obtained a short piece of board
" and a stout stick, to balance said board on a gate, or post, or rail, or other
" suitable support — and having seated the toad on one end of said board, to
" strike the other end smartly with said stick, whereby the creature is tossed
" high up into the air, and falling down with a smash, causes great delight to
" the spectators ; And Whereas, it hath been the custom of their masters or
" tutors to punish said boys for so doing on the plea of cruelty to said animals,
"whereby much pleasing and enlivening amusement is prevented: Be it
" hereby Enacted, that it shall not be lawful for masters and tutors to punish
" their scholars on any such plea, seeing that such creatures have no feeling of
" pain from such treatment : Provided always that nothing herein contained
" shall preclude masters from punishing scholars for any other misdemeanors
" by them committed.
Whereas Cuvier and other zoologists of eminence do not consider the toad to be an
insect, we recommend the ' Ventnor Diamond • to withdraw that animal from the
argument.
" And Whereas much distress exists in various parts of the country,
" very often for want of employment ; Be it further Enacted, that it shall be
"lawful for persons during the coming season, to procure a supply of said
11 toads and cockchaffers and such like, with suitable pins, boards and sticks,
" which they may dispose of, to purchasers for the above-named purposes,
" which may aid them in obtaining an honest livelihood. And lastly, Be it
" Enacted, that this Act shall extend over the Whole World !
" Delta.
" Ventnor, Isle of Wight,
" March 1st, 1847."
And Whereas Mr. Edward Doubleday, an entomologist of great eminence, formerly
adopted the signature of " Delta," and rendered the said signature illustrious by his
talents, the said Edward Doubleday suffers grievous wrong and injury by the issuing
of such documents as the above bearing the same signature.
Given under our hands this 18th day of March, 1847.
Edward Newman.
Quadrupeds. 1683
Antipathy of a Monkey to a Tortoise. — I beg to offer for insertion in your
magazine the following observation on a particular antipathy manifested by a small
Chinese monkey which I had lately in my possession. I happened to have at the
same time a tortoise, and whenever I brought it near the monkey, the latter always
exhibited the greatest horror, trembling from head to foot, and going into violent con-
vulsions until the obnoxious animal was removed. I never saw it show the least an-
tipathy to any other animal ; but on the contrary, it showed the greatest partiality to
dogs and birds. — Edward Peacock ; Bottesford Moors, Brigg, Lincolnshire, February
18th, 1847.
Anecdote of a Cat. — A cat belonging to the Rev. Mr. De Brett, of Broughton,
near Brigg, was generally in the stable with the horses, and often sat upon their backs :
it happened that Mr. De Brett was going to visit his friends in Kent, and sent his
horses forward into that county by the groom s on the day of departure the cat jumped
upon the back of one of them ; the groom, thinking it would jump off again, let it pro-
ceed, and in fact, it rode to London in this way, and through the streets of London, to
Mr. De Brett's mother's residence in Kent: at the several inns where the groom
stopped the cat was put into the bar, and always appeared happy and contented. —
Henry Granther ; $cawby Brigg, Feb. llth, 1847.
A tame Badger. — A little more than two years ago, some men of this place caught
in a wood, at night, a young badger, apparently about four months old. In a short time
he began to feed heartily, and ultimately became very familiar and playsome. He
was called "Bobby," and answered to his name as readily as a dog. With the
dogs kept in the same house he always lived on excellent terms, playing and frisk-
ing with them, both in and out of doors. He was frequently taking short jaunts, in
company with the dogs, to a garden about a quarter of a mile from the village, and al-
though occasionally frightened by the stage-coach passing him, he only once attempted
an escape. He seemed rather afraid of strangers, and on being taken much notice of
always made his way up the body of his protector, clinging by his long claws to the
dress, and hiding his head under the flap of the coat. He manifested great antipathy
to strange dogs, and fought with all the vigour and obstinacy of his kind, becoming at
such times wonderfully excited, his hair standing erect. He was fed chiefly on milk,
bread, and fine bran, but he readily ate birds and rats. He grew rapidly, and became
very fat, and at his death, which took place about two months ago (of inflammation
of the lungs) he weighed thirty pounds. — J. N. Beadles ; Broadway, Worcestershire,
March 3rd, 1847.
Description of the Calcareous Tuffa, fyc, in reference to the Giant Deer. — I once
more take the liberty of addressing you on the giant deer of Ireland, a subject
which you have so ably brought before the British public, that it has absorbed
all other conversation on Natural History at our Societies. I will first say a few
words on the formation which has been called " calcareous tuffa," as distinguished
from marl. Marl occurs in a solid bed, and has no appearance of stratification ;
neither does it contain extraneous matter : it is of a clammy or adhesive nature,
is free from all admixture of acids or salts, and never hardens to the degree of crys-
talization. Calcareous tuffa is daily in process of formation, and occurs wherever
infiltration of water can take place through the cavities and fissures of our calca-
reous rocks : it possesses many remarkable qualities, among which may be men-
tioned the extraordinary rapidity with which it becomes hardened or crystalized on
exposure to the atmosphere. Not only in Ireland, but in England, are many well-
1684 Quadrupeds.
known localities where this curious substance is in process of formation : in
some of these it assumes the appearance of beautiful white coral ; in others, as at the.
celebrated Nesbury well, in Yorkshire, lawyers' wigs, bird's-nests with eggs, and nume-
rous other articles, are immersed in the water purposely to obtain an incrustation of the
substance in question. Coming nearer home, there is a water-tank at Kingstown,
near Dublin, which was excavated as a quarry. The natural fissures of the rock run
towards the sea-shore, and this tank receives its share of the water which infiltrates
through the fissures, carrying with it acids, metals and fragments of vegetables. Pebble-
stones, branches of trees, or small vessels immersed in this tank, very speedily receive
a coating of the tufFa, which, if the articles are dried in the sunshine, soon assumes all
the hardness of mountain limestone : indeed so extraordinary is the rapidity with
which the tufFa is deposited, that the tank would shortly be filled with it were it not fre-
quently cleaned out. There is another locality for this deposit near Kingstown, at the
back of Killiney Hill, where are several borings into the rock, made in search of lead :
the roofs and sides of these borings are beautifully covered with stalactites formed of
this substance : near the same place, in a water-drip descending from Killiney towards
the sea-shore, the substance is carried down by the water to the sea- shore and
crosses a sandy space of about a hundred yards in length and thirty or forty in width,
and this comes in contact with the sea-beach, which is there composed of small frag-
ments of granite, flint, lime, and other stones ; all of which are cemented into a kind
of conglomerate by the tuffa, and are used by a variety of polypes for the purpose of
habitations : these are tubes of an hexagonal form, and are surmounted by a thimble-
shaped mouth or opening. Wherever Mr. Nolan and myself have examined any con-
siderable deposit of the tuffa, we have invariably found it regularly interrupted by lay-
ers of vegetable matter carried down by winter floods and heavy rains. On no occasion
did we find in this deposit a single sea-shell or fossil-shell of any kind, neither any fos-
silized wood or fossil bones ; but specimens of Helix nemoralis, H. hortensis, and a
few other land-shells, and several fresh-water species, are not uncommonly found, and
in company with these shells occur the bones of the giant deer. Now it appears to me,
that Mr. Owen has been led astray by his Dublin informant as to the formation in
which the remains of the deer are found ; and I can truly say, that neither Mr. Owen
himself, nor his informant, nor any other person, has had the opportunity of being pre-
sent at the taking up of so many bones of the giant deer as myself. I am, therefore,
able to correct him in many particulars : had he ever witnessed the taking up of a
skeleton of this animal, he never would have stated that the skeleton in the Royal
Dublin Society's Museum was a perfect one, for it wants no less than forty bones, and
nine of the caudal vertebrae are made of papier macht, and the animal is thus provided
with a fine long wagging tail, which Mr. Owen has faithfully copied in his work on
Fossil Mammalia : in point of fact, the animal never had any tail at all, as I am able
to demonstrate beyond fear, of contradiction. The skeletons which Mr. Owen ex-
amined were made up of the largest bones found in the bone-holes, and these as often
belonged to horses and cows as to the giant deer. In reference to the accounts of so
many bones of this animal occurring in England and on the continent, may I be al-
lowed to inquire what has become of the very large quantities of bones, skulls, and
horns, sold by Mr. Nolan and myself during the last forty years, to English, Scotch,
French, and German dealers ? it would be most amusing to trace them to their final
destination. I recollect a very curious looking foreigner, who called himself Dr.
Peppercorn, coming here about twenty years ago ; he represented himself as being
Quadrupeds. 1685
employed by a continental government, and managed to coax a head and horns out of
and another out of , on condition of conferring titles on
the donors. He made a similar overture to Mr. Thomas Warren, of Blessington, but
this gentleman was not to be taken in with gilt gingerbread, and remains plain Esquire
to this day. Again, a man of the name of Crampton, a mineral dealer, took away two
cart-loads of these bones to the Isle of Man, Scotland, and England, and sold or ex-
changed them as he best could. — Richard Glennon ; Dublin.
Further -particulars of the Giant Deer of Ireland. — I have obtained a quantity of in-
formation relative to the remains of the animal in question, and am promised still
more from various quarters. Hitherto, everything appears calculated to bear out my
views, ill the strongest manner, and indeed, I cannot see anything that could now
shake the evidence I have collected. In a letter I have received from Mr. Benn, of
Ballymena, occur the following passages : — " In the collection of the late Mr. Johnston,
of Down, which had been left by his uncle, an attorney, and in which everything was
labelled with the accuracy and precision of that profession, is a small brass spear, with
a piece of wood still in the socket, with a label, stating it to have been found in a marl
pit, among the bones of a deer." " An excise-officer told me that he saw, found in a
marl-pit, at a place called Men trim in Meath, bordering on Louth, the skeleton of a
deer and man, and a long knife, — what he called a long knife, is, I believe, a short
iron sword, now, I think, in the collection of Mr. Petrie, of Dublin, who told me that
some such tradition had accompanied it into his possession." " I now come to state my
impressions as to the causes of these facts ; and the theory I have formed on the sub-
ject is, — that the animal lived in recent times, — that he was hunted and exterminated
for food, — that the mode of hunting him was to chase and terrify him into pools and
swamps, such as the marl-pits then were, — that the head was then cut off, as of little
value, and very difficult to drag out, — that the under jaw and tongue were cut off,
sometimes they were obliged to leave part of the neck, and sometimes a leg." In
Doctor Mantell's 'Wonders of Geology,' p. 110, it is stated, while treating of the
Great Deer, that Professor Jameson, Mr. Weaver, and others, have clearly proved that
this majestic creature was coeval with man, — that a skull was found in Germany, as-
sociated with stone hatchets and urns, — that in the county of Cork, a human body was
exhumed from a wet and marshy soil, beueath a bed of peat, eleven feet thick ; the
body was in good preservation, and enveloped in a deer-skin covered with hair, — that
in Jameson's Cuvier, that eminent zoologist states a rib to have been found, injured
in such a manner as would lead to the supposition of the wound having been inflicted
by an arrow : and Dr. Mantell concludes, — " There is therefore presumptive evidence
that the race was extirpated by the hunter tribes who first took possession of these
islands." Dr. Mantell refers also to confirmatory opinions expressed by Mr. Charles
Lyell, President of the Geological Society of London, in an address, delivered by him
in 1837: as also collateral evidence adduced by Dr. Scouler of Dublin, as resulting
from certain geological features of the places where the remains have been found.
Dr. Martin informs me that on the banks of the river Suir, near Portland, in the
county of Waterford, and on nearly every farm, are found, near springs, spaces of fre-
quently seventy feet in diameter, consisting of stones, broken up as for roads, and lying
together in a mass. These stones were evidently purposely broken, and all much of the
one size, and are charred. These spaces are many feet in depth. The tradition
respecting them, current among the peasantry, is, that here in olden time, a great deer
was killed and baked in these stone-pits, the stones having been previously heated like
V K
1 686 Quadrupeds.
a kiln, and they also distinguish the animal as " The Irish Elk." These places are
called in Irish by a name, signifying the " Buck's Den." — //. D. Richardson ; Dublin.
Discovery of Bones near Saltcoats, Ayrshire. — I have read the interesting account
you gave in the preface to the ' Zoologist ' of the discovery made by Messrs. Glennon
and Nolan of Dublin. It reminded me of a somewhat similar, bu,t much less interest-
ing discovery, made by me about seven years ago, for among the bones, &c, found,
there were no traces of the Irish giant deer, though part of the remains of many stately
deer were found among the buried bones. As a school was much needed in that part
of the town of Saltcoats which was within my parish, and too distant from the parish-
school of Stevington, I had succeeded in getting a handsome sum subscribed, and a
grant from the treasury, and ground from the Earl of Eglintoun and another proprietor,
and we forthwith began to level the ground for the new edifice. The spot of ground
which we had got, was a little eminence called Kyle's Hill or Coil's Hill, in the out-
skirts of Saltcoats. It had lain waste for a long time, and had been the lounging
place of idlers on sunny days, and often the resort of sailors' wives and sweethearts,
from the commanding view it gave in the distance of homeward-bound vessels. It
was the habitat of a few rather rare plants, one of which was Hyoscyamus niger. As
I had discovered a deposit of post-tertiary shells at no great distance, I gave strict
charges to the person who was employed to level this ground and dig for a good foun-
dation, to be on the outlook for shells or anything curious, and to let me know what
was found. As the Manse was at some distance, I could pay only occasional visits.
Passing one day when they were digging, I was surprised to see part of the antler of
a red deer turned up. When the person to whom I had given strict charges saw
that I regarded it with interest, he said that if he had known that I would have cared
for these things he could have got me a hundred of them. I asked what had become
of them. He said, that they had been mixed with at least a cart-load of bones, and
that the children who gathered them had sold bones and horns to a person who was
purchasing bones for manure. Expressing my regret that they had thus been lost,
I told him, that if any more bones or horns were found, he might send the chil-
dren with them to me, and I would give a higher price than the bone-gatherer.
Though the greater part had been disposed of, I succeeded in this manner in
getting a few stumps of the antlers of the red deer, only two of which, with six
fragments of branches, are now in my possession. The largest of these must, at one
time, have adorned the head of a noble animal, for it measures eight inches in circum-
ference at the base. I got a considerable collection of bones, which I wished to sub-
mit to some person skilled in comparative anatomy, but not falling in with any savant
of this description, they have been lost. All that I have retained is a parcel of teeth,
all, it is probable, of domesticated animals. I shall send you some of them, and I
shall be glad to learn what they are. There was the skull of a hare, and the skull, I
think, of a red deer, or perhaps of a smaller species, for it was not of a size correspond-
ing to the fragments of horn that I got. There is a part of a jawbone, containing six
stout teeth, one of which I shall send you. They are all striated in the inner side, a
circumstance which may be common, but I had not before observed it. A hundred
stumps of the horns of Cervus Elaphus, found buried in one place, points out a state
of the country very different from the present. There is not now one of these stately
animals in a wild state in the whole county of Ayr. It is a remarkable circumstance
that, as in the case of the gigantic deers' horns found in Ireland, many of the horns
found here were sawn through six or seven inches from the base. If the Irish deer
Quadrupeds. 1687
were domesticated like cows, and occasionally brought to the slaughter-house to be
killed for food, then it might be convenient to saw off the horns, lest they should inter-
cept the death -stroke when armed at the forehead. But there is nothing in history or
in tradition that leads us to think that the red deer were ever domesticated ; and when
they met with death, it would not be by the murderous blow of the hammer, but by the
cruel teeth of dogs, or by the winged arrows of the huntsman. But bones and horns
were not the only remains ; there were masses of shells, generally of the edible mol-
lusks 5 there was also what seemed a fragment of the quern or old hand-mill. There
was likewise the iron head of a spear, very much eaten away by rust, but which may
have done service in the tournament or in the field of battle. The greatest curiosity,
however, was a very antique-looking bead, of considerable size, with longitudinal
grooves ; it was of a blue colour, and, I think, of glass, though mixed with something
that gave it the appearance of lapis-lazuli. It resembled those described by Ure, in
his * History of Eutherglen,' which in olden times were used as amulets, and were
thought to have came from Phoenicia. These various things were found at the depth of
about three feet. Near to them, and at about the same depth, there was found a great
mass of wood or peat ashes. This corresponded with the tradition, that Coil's Hill
was one of the eminences on which beacon or telegraphic fires were kindled to spread
alarm on the approach of an enemy. Old Time has spread a dark veil over the history
of this hill, and we despair of being able to lift it up. He may laugh also at the fol-
lowing conjecture. It is known that there was a King Coilus or Coil, who was re-
nowned in the west. A large portion of Ayrshire bears his name — the district of Kyle.
Within that district there is a fine estate called Coils-field. The tradition is, that it
was so called, because King Coil was there slain in battle, and there buried, at a
place marked by a monumental stone. The correctness of this tradition has been
tested. The ground was lately dug up around this stone, and at some con-
siderable depth an urn was found, containing a little black earth — the remains, it is
possible, of King Coilus. There is in the same district a rivulet called Kyle. There
is at Kilwinning a well, called Kyle's well, and four miles distant, near Saltcoats, there
is, as we have seen, Kyle's hill, where the antiquities we have mentioned were found.
If any should think that Coile and Kyle are very different, I may mention, that accord-
ing to the Ayrshire pronunciation they have the same sound, as oi in the word oil has
the same sound£as cei in the French word Vceil, ' the eye.' When Ayrshire, then, was
covered with wood, and when hundreds of red deer sported in the green-wood glades,
it is possible that King Coil had a hunting-lodge on Coil's hill. If you have a better
explanation or conjecture, I shall be glad to hear it. — D. Landsborough ; Roclcvale,
Saltcoats , March 7tk, 1847.
[The teeth sent by the Rev. Mr. Landsborough, are — 1 molar (upper-jaw) of a
very small horse, 2 molars of a pig, 5 molars of a deer, probably the red deer, and 1
incisor, probably the red deer.. — Edward Newman].
Buffalo-battues. — " Soon we came to where the ground was strewed over with
countless bleached skeletons of buffaloes. The poor improvident Indians, when they
meet with powerful herds of these animals, and have a favourable opportunity of de-
stroying them, kill as many as they can, frequently several hundreds in a day, and all
for the sake of the skins, with which they liquidate their debts to the insatiate trader,
leaving the carcasses to rot on the ground, and afford food to the prairie-wolves. This
had been the scene of one of these buffalo-battues. At some future geological period,
when another deposit is made on this part of the tcrrestial surface, it may be that these
1688 Quadrupeds.
remains may be discovered, and produce theories and conjectures as to the cause of the
destruction that will greatly interest mankind, or whatever kind may then exist, until
some Buckland redivivns, finding the barb of an arrow in the rib of one of them, will,
with the same power of genius and fancy that once illuminated the obscurities of the
Kirkdale cave, people these prairies over again with butchering Indians and flying buf-
faloes. It was impossible to ride amongst these skeletons without thinking of the con-
dition of the Indians, who are now paying for their folly in unprofitably destroying and
frightening the buffaloes away, by having now to perform the most tedious journies in
the winter, to procure meat for the subsistence of their families."— Featherstonhaugh's
Canoe Voyage.
Habits of the Antelope. — " Whilst I was waiting the arrival of the charette, I was
exceedingly amused with the movements of one of those antelopes which rove over
these prairies. The graceful creature came bounding on, in a singularly elastic man-
ner, towards the place where the mare was browsing, and where I was lying on the grass.
Sometimes it reared itself up on its hind-legs to get a good look at us, and then, if I
lifted up my head, would wheel round and fly away with surprising speed ; then again
it would return and repeat its elegant motions. These beautiful creatures often be-
come the victims of their curiosity ; for when the hunter conceals himself behind a
knoll, and waves a piece of cloth tied to a stick, so insatiable is their propensity, that
they frequently approach too near for their own safety. This antelope, and some
flocks of brown plover, were the only animals I saw during this ride." — Id.
Prairie Dogs. — " At 3 p.m., we stopped for the men to dine at a slope on the right
bank, up which I ascended, and after struggling for one hundred yards through the
matted bushes, entangled with wild peas and vines, I reached the top, and found a very
spacious prairie, thrown up into myriads of hills, made by what have been called
prairie dogs. These little interesting animals have been called so probably from the
indistinct sort of barking they make, for they have no resemblance to dogs, either in
their appearance or habits. In size they are like a large rat, about ten inches long,
with a reddish-green fur, and sit upon their hind legs, like, a squirrel, on the top of the
hillocks they have thrown up ; from whence, on the approach of danger, they quickly
retreat into their burrows. They are short-legged, and have sharp crooked nails to
their anterior feet, for the purpose of burrowing. Nature has curiously provided them
with deep pouches, opening externally from their cheeks, and enlarging the sides of
the head and neck. The first specimen which was produced had these pouches turned
inside out, as though the animal had a bag on each side of the head, and in this
odd manner it is figured in the 'Linnaean Transactions,' and in Shaw, vol. ii.,
Raffinesque gave it the elegant name of Geomys, and Shaw, of Mus bursarius."
— Id.
The Musk-Rat. — " September 24th. This being the season for musk-rats, as the
traders call them, they (the Indians) had taken an immense number of them, which
they had skinned, and the carcasses, which they are very fond of, were drying on sticks
over a slow fire. In twenty days they had taken 1200 of these animals. Some of the
traders at Prairie du Chien told me that these creatures increase in number now that
the foxes and other animals are diminishing. The sinkepay, as the Nacotahs call the
musk quash, or musk-rat of the traders, is much larger than the common rat ; it has
a reddish-gray fur, resembling that of the beaver, and in common with that animal
constructs itself a conical mud house, where the situation admits of it, above the sur-
face of any body of water .where a root grows, which it subsists on during the winter,
Birds. 1689
and to which it has access by a hole in the bottom. I have occasionally seen skins of
this animal of a fawn colour. Besides this famous supply of musk-rats they had a
large pile of wild ducks and teal which they had shot, together with a fine heron. All
the Indians looked strong and hearty, in consequence of the abundance of animal food
at this season of the year. He informed me that the Coteau du Prairie was a beauti-
ful upland country, containing an immense number of small lakes, some of which con-
tained well-wooded islands, where the Indians in the season took great quantities
of musk-rats. These animals, he assured me, sometimes migrate, and are often met
at such times on the prairies in incredible numbers. I have very little doubt of the
truth of his statement, for all the American animals, both large and small, possess —
what is most probably an acquired intelligence — the sense of bettering their condition
by emigrating from districts where their food is becoming scarce. I remember, when
in the Indian country in Upper Canada in 1807, meeting with the most surprising
quantities of fine glossy black-skinned squirrels, with singularly beautiful bushy tails ;
they had spread over an immense district of country, and were evidently advancing
from Lake Huron to the south." — Id.
Habits of the Squirrel. — A few years since, when the Rev. Francis Faithfull,
of Hatfield, Herts, was staying with me, we were driving out in a gig, between this
village and Broughton, an adjoining parish, and observing some animal, apparently
strange, crossing the road which separates two plantations, we pulled up to satisfy our-
selves, when we found to our surprise that it was an old squirrel conveying its young :
it appeared to hold the neck of the young one in its mouth, while the body seemed to
be wrapped round the neck of the mother like a boa tippet. An instance of the migra-
tion of squirrels from one district to another was lately witnessed by my son James,
and a friend of his, who were fishing in the river Auxholm. They observed a
number of these animals come down to the river's bank from a plantation of the
Duke of St. Alban's, in the parish of Ribaldstow, and without much hesitation
five or six of them leaped into the river, and swam across into the parish of Cadney.
No doubt the whole of the flock would have followed, but the young gentlemen,
astonished at the sight, ran to the spot, when those not already in the river has-
tened back to the plantation whence they came. — Henry Granther ; Scawley Brigg,
February 1M, 1847.
A curious mode of Bird-catching. — Baron Votie, a colonel of the Austrian service,
was very fond of bird-catching, at which he was a first-rate hand ; and as I never
heard of his mode in England, and as it may be considered curious by some of my
readers, I will describe it. After placing the twigs, he hid himself near the place, and
made a loud noise resembling that which is made by an owl when it is caught. The
poor little birds, fancying their midnight enemy in trouble or in a trap, flocked in hun-
dreds, not to assist him, but to peck his life out. In this way he would sometimes en-
trap from fifty to a hundred birds at a sitting, selecting those he wished to keep, and
letting the others off. — Dr. Wilson's ' Practice of Water Cure,' p. 32.
1690 Birds.
Note on the Arrival of some of the Summer Birds of Passage at Shooter's Hill, Kent,
in the Spring of 1846.
Extremes meet : the bitter winter of 1844-5 was succeeded by the mildest winter
known. Throughout Europe the winter was so open, that there may be said to have
been no winter in 1845-6. I was, therefore, early on the look out for the return of my
musical friends. Hearing that the chiff-chaff had been seen on the 27th of February,
I diligently, but ineffectually, sought it till the 11th of March, when my old acquaint-
ance, on the top of Shooter's Hill, announced his arrival as the harbinger of a forward
spring. Some woodmen had heard one lower down in the woods about a fortnight
earlier. On the 12th, I observed three chiff-chaffs, and on the 27th never noticed
them more numerous or noisy. I had for days regularly beat up the haunts of the
blackcap, and felt some disappointment at not meeting with him, when on the 28th
of March, while pruning a rose-tree at mid-day, 1 heard the well-known notes of that
merry bird. I darted off for my glass, and soon saw our blackcap, in blooming
condition, singing away in the highest spirits. I was delighted beyond measure to
hear our welcome friend once more. While walking to the stable, at \ past 7 a.m.,
and looking at the clouds, I suddenly exclaimed, "What ! a swallow? No ! it flies like,
but cannot be, a martin." A quick turn, however, exposed its white rump, and sure
enough there was a house martin on the 1st of April. This morning I heard several
blackcaps in full song. On the 3rd of April, as I rode through the brushwood on
Shooter's Hill, I observed a little light-coloured bird being driven about by a sturdy
stonechat. The little fellow whipped into a bramble-bush, and I instantly heard the
joyous song of the gallant little willow-wren. A moment after he was paying his
respects to a pair of dicky dunnocks : the bird was all excitement, and scarcely knew
what to be at. On the 4th, I met with numbers of willow-wrens on the east of Plum-
stead Common, and rode with them for some time in their progress westward. This,
and other observations, lead me to think, that many of the smaller birds of passage
come up the valley of the Thames with the river for their guide. On my arrival
home, after my morning's ride on Sunday the 5th, I caught the sound of a martin's
twitter, and on looking up there was our house martin, making a figure of 8 round the
two blocks of houses, singing and chattering in very gladness of heart. So numerous
were the willow-wrens on the 6th, that Shooter's Hill broke forth into singing.
The plumage of all the birds was most splendid this spring. Some of the willow-
wrens were almost as bright as canaries, the feathers about the throat being a distinct
yellow, shading off into green. On the 8th, the willow-wrens were singing everywhere,
and flying at each other most pugnaciously. The nightingale was heard on the 8th
by residents on Shooter's Hill. The woodmen stated that they had seen the wryneck
and titlark on the 8th, and had heard the nightingale on the 9th. On the 1 1 th, I saw
a hen blackcap ; and at last met with the nightingale crossing the path in the Castle-
woods. I soon heard his croak, and then mounting a tree, he poured forth his un-
rivalled melody. Eight or wrong, I took him to be my broken-legged nightingale :
he occupied the same quarters, and sang in the same trees ; numbers of traps were
again laid for him, but he, gaining wisdom from experience, had learned to withstand
the temptation of meal-wonns, and escaped them all. As soon as his wife arrived, I
caught her and let her fly, so that often through the spring I had the pleasure of hear-
ing the luscious notes of her mate. I was told a nightingale had been heard, an-
another had been caught on the 5th of April. Sunday, the 12th, I heard a tree pipit,
Birds. 1691
and saw him ascend from one tree and descend to the next. I-have two tree pipits,
said to have been caught on the 7th ; one was shot at Woolwich on the 8th. At the
same spot as last year, I this morning heard and saw the lesser whitethroat. Tn the
afternoon, I observed one swallow hovering about Eltham. On Monday, the 13th, I
met with meggy whitethroat at the old place. There he was, with his dark smoky
head and bright throat, magging as incessantly as ever. I had not watched him long
before up he went, jigging his long tail and singing most happily. On the 15th, I was
much gratified at meeting with my especial favourite, the whinchat : the pretty bird,
perched on a sprig of furze, his colours modest and beautiful, his form elegant and com-
pact, sang his plaintive and pleasing melody. Saw another swallow on the 23rd, and
a cuckoo on the 29th. Met a stray wheatear on Woolwich Common on the 30th.
On May the 2nd, heard the melodious song of the garden-warbler. I was more than
ever struck with the purity and rich sweetness of its deep, mellow tone : I found him
busily engaged among the young birds of the underwood oak. On the 8th of May,
at \ past 5 a.m., saw, with the aid of the glass, three swifts high in the air, making a
direct passage north.
3. March 11th. ChifF-chaff. 1846.
April 12th.
Lesser whitethroat.
„ 28th. Blackcap.
„ 12th.
Swallow.
April 1st. House martin.
„ 13th.
Whitethroat.
„ 3rd. Willow-wren.
„ 15th.
Whinchat.
„ 8th. Nightingale,
May 2nd.
Garden-warbler.
„ 12th. Tree pipit.
„ 8th.
Swift.
atthew Hutchinson; Blackheath, June, 1846.
Note on the Season of 1846. — In the spring there were comparatively few swallows
and martins, though sand-martins were numerous. But on their return passage in the
autumn I never observed greater numbers, and I then noticed several Hirundinidae
that I could not make out to be either old or young swifts, swallows, or martins. Had
not the remarkably warm winter and very early spring induced the summer birds of
passage to fly further north than usual ? I found whinchats and cuckoos scarce ;
chiff-chaffs, blackcaps, and garden-warblers unusually numerous. I saw but one red-
backed shrike all the season, and not one wood-wren. — Matthew Hutchinson ;
Blackheath.
Ornithological and other Observations, in Norfolk, for the months of January
and February, 1847.
January. About the middle of this month, a large white owl, apparently measur-
ing as much as six feet from tip to tip of the wings, was twice seen at Brooke. The at-
tempts made to procure it were unsuccessful, but the above description, the accuracy
of which, there is no reason to doubt, makes it probable that the bird was an example
of that rare visiter, the snowy owl.
The marsh titmouse has been more than usually abundant in Norfolk during
the present winter. These birds are observed to associate with the gold-crest, and,
perhaps, like that species, their numbers are increased by migratory arrivals in the
months of November and December. It may be observed, that the trivial name
palustris is badly applied to this species, which, far from being exclusively an in-
habitant of marshes, is constantly to be seen in upland and wooded districts.
About the end of January, a female of the ash-coloured shrike was captured at Nar-
ford, by a gentleman Avho was seeking goldfinches. Having pounced on one of these
latter, the shrike placed one foot on the body of its victim, and was apparently proceed-
1692 Birds.
ing to drive in its skull with her beak, when the net was drawn, and both birds captured
alive and unhurt. In confinement, this shrike feeds upon mice and small birds, which
it fixes between the wires of its cage, and then pulls to pieces. Another shrike was ob-
served near the spot, but was not taken. In the act of pouncing on its prey, this bird
had much the appearance of a martin.
The quail has again occurred ; an example having in this instance been taken near
some stacks in the vicinity of Norwich ; at the end of January it was still kept alive
in a cage.
Several goosanders were brought to Norwich in the latter part of the month :
three of these were adult males ; one of which was killed at Hickling, one at Lynn,
and one at Upton. One or two specimens of the red-breasted merganser and of the
shrew have also occurred, but with the exception of a single adult example of the
latter species, we believe that the individuals captured were all in immature plumage.
The smew usually occurs at a somewhat later period of the winter than in the month
of January.
February. With the exception of the capture of a few specimens of the sanderliug
on the coast early in this month, some of which had made considerable progress in the
attainment of the nuptial plumage, we know of no ornithological occurrence worth
recording.
The liver of a hake {Merlucius vulgaris) which was lately captured off Sherring-
ham, and measured about 2^ feet in length, was observed to be much infested with
parasitic worms ; a mass of these animals, which must have amounted to a quarter of
a pint, being attached to it. Each worm formed a separate coil of about one-eighth of
an inch in diameter ; and besides the mass to which we have alluded, many single
worms had formed separate nests in various parts of the surface of the liver.
We are informed by Mr. John Smith, of Yarmouth, that the angel-fish (Squatina
angelus) occurred twice at that place in the course of last year ; a young example hav-
ing been captured in June, and a specimen measuring 4 feet 6 inches in length in
August. The latter fish was taken at the sole-grounds, and measured 3 feet 7 inches
across the pectoral, and 1 foot 7 inches across the ventral fins. — J. H. Gurney,
William R. Fisher ; February, 1847.
Rare Birds occurring near Bridlington in the Winter of 1846-7. — I learn from Mr.
Jones, the bird-preserver, at Bridlington, that the following rare birds have occurred
there during the past winter. Several glaucous gulls, in immature plumage ; two in
adult plumage ; one Iceland gull, in immature plumage, shot in the harbour ; eight or
ten specimens of the little auk ; two fine specimens of the male hen harrier ; two of
the gray-backed 'shrike ; several golden-eyes, smews, one grosbeak, &c. — F. O.
Morris; Nafferton Vicarage, near Driffield, March 20th, 1847.
Rare Birds occurring near Ipswich. — The following rare birds have been brought
me in the flesh : —
Honey-buzzard, shot by E. Candler, Esq., Theberton, Suffolk.
Osprey, shot by J. Howard, Rushmere, Suffolk.
Spotted crake, shot by R. Newson, Ipswich.
Adult spoonbill, shot by F. Fuller, Esq., Aldborough, Suffolk.
Eared grebe, (Podiceps auritus), shot by a gamekeeper, Nacton, Suffolk.
Curlew sandpiper, shot by F. Fuller, Esq., Aldborough, July 31st, 1845.
Wood sandpiper {Totanus glareola), shot by G. Ransome, Aldborough, August
1st, 1845.
Birds. . 1693
Pair of gray phalaropes, shot by A. Fuller, Esq., Aldborough, October 13th, 1846.
Lesser bustard (Otis telrax), shot by J. Flatt, Esq., Snape, November, 1846.
Great bittern, shot by J. B. Taylor, Walton, December 11th, 1846.
Little auk, shot by W. Chapman, Rushmere, December 18th, 1846.
Quail, • ditto ditto ditto.
Bewick's swan (Cygnus Bewickii), shot by a fisherman, in Woodbridge River,
January 3rd, 1847.
Velvet scoter (Oidemia fusca), shot by F. Fuller, Esq., Aldborough.
Puffin, shot by F. Fuller, Esq., Aldborough, January 18th, 1847. — Geo. Ransome ;
Ipswich, March 19th, 1847.
Dates of Arrival of Migrator?/ Birds at Elveden in the Autumn of 1846.
Golden plover, September 24th Fieldfare, October 8th
Hooded crow, October 4th Redwing, „ 9th
Woodcock, „ 5th Ring-ousel, „ 10th
Crossbill, „ 8th Siskin, „ 12th.
Since I made the remark on the ring-ousel (Zool. 1549), two other examples have
been seen at Elden ; the one mentioned here, and one much later. — Alfred Newton ;
Ever ton, Biggleswade, March 30th, 1847.
Occurrence of Rare Birds near Thetford in Norfolk, Sfc.
Sea or White-tailed Eagle. A very fine specimen of this fine bird was shot about
a month ago at Stetchworth, near Newmarket, where, I believe, it had been seen some
days previously.
Hoopoe. A specimen of this bird was found dead, but quite fresh, on Thetford
Warren, in the beginning of December, 1846. I had, hitherto, always believed that
this bird was only a summer visitor to Great Britain.
Barred Woodpecker. One was shot in a wood at Barningham, in Suffolk, in
January, 1847.
Gray Phalarope. Shot at Wretham, in Norfolk.
Bittern. Two specimens were killed towards the end of December, 1846 ; one at
Icklingham, in Suffolk, the other at Brandon. I was also informed, by Mr. Charles
Lloyd, of Reading, that one was killed at, or near that place, last January.
Spotted Crake. A bird of this species was picked up dead at Thetford, by the side
of the Northern and Eastern Railway. I suppose it had been killed by flying against
the wires of the electric telegraph, as one wing was broken, and the head bared of a
considerable quantity of feathers. This was last October.
Golden-eyed Duck. An immature individual was obtained near Thetford about
the middle of February last.
Smew. Three examples have been shot near Thetford this winter ; one of these
was a male in full plumage.
Goosander. Four specimens have come to my knowledge as having been taken in
Norfolk. Of these, two males in fine plumage were shot at Sennowe, a female was
shot at New Buckenham, and an immature male was also taken in the county.
Through the kindness of Mr. C. Lloyd, of Reading, I am also able to inform you
that several examples of the arctic tern were shot on the banks of the Thames, at
Reading, during the month of November, 1 846 ; and also, that a stormy petrel was
found dead on that river at Blake's-bridge, November 23rd, 1846.
1694 Birds.
I believe, also, that a specimen of the eared grebe, and one of the red-breasted
merganser, were taken at, or near Wisbeach, in January.
In conclusion, I may observe, that all the winter migrants abounded this season ;
there were larger flocks of wild geese than had been known for some years ; sea-gulls
were often seen inland ; and we were visited by a great number of magpies and jays,
which birds, in the game-preserving districts, are almost rare. — Alfred Newton;
Everton, Biggleswade, March 30th, 1847.
Occurrence of Rare Birds near Tadcaster. — The first is the white-winged crossbill
(Loxia leucoptera), of which a flock was seen in Lord Downes's park, Cowick, near
Snaith; and four of them, two males and two females, were killed on the 27th of De-
cember, 1845, by Mr. C. Sumner, of Snaith, and are in the possession of Mr. Reid,
bird-preserver, Doncaster. In the March following, five of the same species were
seen at Edwinstow, near Ollerton, in some high fir-trees in Budby Forest, and two
females and a male were killed : these are in my own collection. It appears
to Mr. Reid, through whose hands the whole have been, as well as to myself, that the
birds in question are decidedly different from the American white-winged crossbill, of
which I have seen several specimens. Our birds are nearly as large as the common
crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) ; the bill nearly as thick again as in the American species,
and the legs lighter in colour and much thicker ; the white bars on the wings very
distinctly marked both in the male and female, and the colour of both sexes very like
that of the common crossbill. I believe this is the first time of their having been no-
ticed in Yorkshire. The next bird I have to mention is, I believe, new to the British
Fauna ; — the roseate gull (Larus Rossii), killed on the 22nd of December, 1846, by
Mr. Thomas Robinson, of Saxton, near Aberford, in this county ; and discovered by
Mr. Graham, bird-preserver, York, who brought it to me. The bird has been sent to
Mr. Yarrell, who decides that it is Larus Rossii, indigenous to America, but so rare
there, that Mr. Audubon has never seen a specimen, alive or dead. I have not made
an exact measurement, but it appears about the size of the little gull, the upper parts
of its plumage grayish- white, the breast and belly of a light buffish, or perhaps, more
properly, salmon-coloured tint; the bill rather slender, and in the inside vermilion-red ;
the legs red and the tail forked. This is a very vague description of this extremely
rare bird, but should you wish it, I will send you an exact description. I am going
to have a drawing of the bird, and lithographs taken from it, one of which I shall be
happy to send you, but the description I can send in a few days. Should you wish
to mention in the ' Zoologist ' any facts relative to woodcocks carrying their young
when disturbed, I can give you some information, having heard from the most au-
thentic sources many instances. — W. M. E. Milner ; Nunappleton, Tadcaster, March
30th, 1847.
[Any particulars concerning this habit of the woodcock, and also a full description
of Larus Rossii, will be most acceptable. — Edward Newman].
Rare Birds occurring at Kingsbridge, South Devon. — From seeing your circular,
inviting persons to transmit you any rare occurrences relative to Natural History,
suited for the pages of the ' Zoologist,' I beg to inform you of the occurrence of the
glaucous gull, which was shot in the Kingsbridge estuary last week. I also beg to
hand you a list of rare birds which have come into my possession, and have been
shot in this neighbourhood within the last seven years : —
Two little bitterns, male and female Two spoonbills
Birds. 1 695
Two little bustards, females Avocet
Two ospreys, females Blaek tern
Bed-footed falcon, female Six hoopoes
Rose-colored pastor, male Arctic gull skua
Night heron, male.
These are a few which I can remember ; should you think it worth your notice, I will
in future transmit you any rare occurrences immediately. — Henry Nichols, Jun. ;
Kingsbridge, South Devon, Feb. 19th, 1847. [Please to do so. — E. Newman].
Occurrence of the Golden Eagle near Hungerford. — A few days since a gamekeeper,
at Littlecott, near Hungerford, Wiltshire, shot a large golden eagle, a bird almost un-
known in the southern counties. The eagle had glutted itself on a dead deer, and was
unable to fly away on the approach of the keeper, who fired six times before he killed
it. — Berkshire Chronicle.
Habits of the Honey Buzzard' in Confinement. — The honey buzzard now in my
possession was wounded in the wing, and taken about three months ago. It was at
first confined in a small garden house, and for a day or two refused to eat anything,
but at last began to feed upon small birds, but would not touch raw flesh or any kind
of offal, nor has it yet done so, although it has not the smallest objection to a rat or a
frog. Many birds of prey, after eating the muscular parts of any animal or bird, leave
the entrails untouched ; the honey buzzard, on the contrary, generally begins by open-
ing the carcass, and then devouring everything it finds within it. It is very fond
of the honeycomb of the wild bee, and when hungry will swallow large pieces of
the comb containing the grub or larva, but when its appetite is not very keen it
usually separates the cells, extracts the grub, and throws the wax away. There has
been little honey in the combs this year, but when perchance any has dropt from the
cells upon the ground, I have seen the bird repeatedly thrust its bill into the earth
where it appeared to be moistened by the honey. Unless very hungiy it will not at-
tempt to tear open a large bird, but is exceedingly fond of a fresh herring. There is
something capricious in the appetite of birds, as well as in that of the human race. I
had an eider duck for three years, and during that time, it never could be prevailed
upon to taste shell-fish ; its favourite food was barley bread, though if grain of any
kind was thrown down to it, it would devour it in the same manner and with the same
rapidity as the common duck. Of all the birds of prey with which I am acquainted
the honey buzzard is apparently the gentlest, the kindest, and the most capable of at-
tachment ; it seems to possess little of the fierceness of that warlike tribe. It will fol-
low me round the garden, cowering and shaking its wings, though not soliciting food,
uttering at the same time a plaintive sound, something like the whistle of the gol-
den plover, but softer and much more prolonged. Though shy with strangers, it is
very fond of being noticed and caressed by those to whose presence it has been accus-
tomed. In the same garden there are three lapwings, a blue-backed gull, and a cur-
lew. The plovers are often seen with the buzzard sitting in the midst of them, show-
ing no signs of caution or apprehension, but seein as if they were listening to a lecture
delivered by him. The gull frequently retires into the garden house, probably to en-
joy the society of the buzzard. The garden is not the garden of Eden, and yet these
birds, of different natures, habits, and dispositions, appear to live in perfect harmony,
peace, and good fellowship with each other. I have had three living specimens of the
honey buzzard in my possession, not one of them in plumage at all resembling
the other. One of the three never could be induced to take any food, and after living
1696 Birds.
about a fortnight, died, I believe, from pure inanition. Besides the plaintive cry
above mentioned, the honey buzzard has another and more varied note, apparently of
alarm. — Gordon Joseph Forster ; Newton-by-the-Sea, August 29th, 1845. (Extracted
from the Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club).
Night Conversation of Oivls. — Left, whilst standing by my fire, to the uninterrupted
action of a busy imagination, I was struck by the apparently intelligent manner in
which the owls and other night birds answered each other. Every now and then an
owl to the north, not more perhaps than two hundred yards from the camp, would put
his questions in a rather startling and distinct manner, and after a measured interval
of time, the response, equally distinct, would be heard from the south, very near to me ;
there being to me, who have a very nice musical ear, a sensible difference in the into-
nation and modulation of the two voices. I was very much interested in this ; every-
thing connected with Natural History is pleasing to me ; and the effect was exceed-
ingly increased by the locality, the adventurous life I was leading, and the hour of the
night. But what, more than anything else, excited my imagination, was the know-
ledge I possessed that the Indians are such exquisite mimics of natural sounds ; and
that one of their tricks, when hovering about a camp, is to imitate the cries of night
birds, to lull their intended victims into confidence, and to communicate to each other
their observations and intentions. The owl of this part of America is a very gossiping
bird : every night numbers of them commence a general hooting, which they continue
to a late hour. Milor had told me the first evening, that this was a sign of rainy wea-
ther ; but I imagine it is merely a social noise they make, for I have often observed,
that when a single owl hoots in the night, if you mock him tolerably well, he is sure to
enter into conversation with you. I have also heard them hoot by day when the sky
is much overclouded, the light being then much more agreeable to them than that of
a bright sun. — Featherstonhaugh 's Canoe Voyage.
Early appearance of the Sand Martin near Penzance. — I observed this afternoon
more than a dozen of this species, sporting over some water and meadow-land, near
Trevethorn House, which lies in the immediate neighbourhood of Sand Hills. —
Edward Hearle Rodd ; Penzance, March 29th, 1847.
Nudity of the Base of the Rook's Beak. — This subject having again been noticed
in the ' Zoologist,' (Zool. 1638), I beg to add a fact which came under my own obser-
vation. It is well-known to many a traveller, that until within these few years a large
elm tree stood in the middle of this town, where
" High on its top, a congregated throng
Of rooks assembling, yearly rear'd their young."
Early in the year 1842, this tree was cut down, to make room for a new Town Hall,
now standing by the spot. The rooks had already assembled to prepare for nesting,
and I, being anxious to obtain a specimen or two of the inhabitants of this ill-fated
tree, shot two early in the morning of its destruction, as the birds were flying to and
fro ; one of these was evidently an old bird ; the other, I guess to be a bird of the pre-
vious season. In the latter specimen, although the throat is nearly bare, the fea-
thers above are full, and cover the nostrils. The two specimens are still in a glass-
case, with two starlings, occupants of holes in the larger limbs, perched on branches of
their favorite tree. It was to many a subject of regret that this fine old ornament
should be levelled to the ground ; but such was its fate. On Valentine's Day the tree
was sold, as it stood, by public auction ; on the 17th of February the hewing was com-
menced, and on the 18th, about four o'clock in the afternoon, it fell with a heavy
Birds. 1697
crash, splitting off one of its largest limbs, and smashing into innumerable pieces its
smaller branches, mingled with the scattered remains of a number of nests — the work
of the poor unfortunate rooks, now left to seek another abode. — T. Goatley ; Chipping
Norton, March 18*/*, 1847.
Occurrence of the Hoopoe near Ipswich. — A fine specimen was brought to the Ips-
wich Museum, this morning, of the female hoopoe, shot at Hollesley last week : its sto-
mach contained portions of earwigs and larvae. On dissection, we found a number of
eggs, which, had the bird lived, we think would probably have been hatched in this
country. Is it not of unusual occurrence so early in the year? — George Ransome ;
Ipswich, March 22nd, 1847.
Occurrence of the Hoopoe in Ireland. — Four specimens of the hoopoe have lately
been sent me for preservation ; two of them killed by Thomas Bate, Esq., on the 17th
and 24th of March, at Ballyhin, twelve miles south of Wexford : a third was caught
at Ballykillaboy, about four miles from Waterford, by a boy who chased it for a mile
and back again ; the boy says, it never rose more than two feet from the ground : the
fourth was sent me by Mrs. J. Power, of Old Court, in the county of Waterford. —
Richard Glennon ; Dublin, April 3rd, 1847.
Supposed New British Lark. — It seems worth while to send you the following let-
ter, in case it has not yet met your eye ; I copied it from the ' Kentish Gazette,' of
February 2nd, 1847, to the Editor of which it is addressed.
"New species of the Lark. — About a month since was brought me a lark of a
most singular colour, which I believed to be a variety of the common lark (Alauda
arvensis). On dissection, it proved to be a male adult bird. A few days after, Dr.
Case, of this town, procured another, corresponding in every respect as to colour and
form with the first. I then made an anatomical observation, and compared the
anatomy of the common skylark, and found a vast distinction : the second was a female.
About ten days since I found another, which is also a female, and of precisely the same
structure and colour. All three of the above birds have been examined by the Com-
mittee of the Margate Literary and Scientific Institution, to which I am Naturalist,
and they agree at once that they are a new species of British bird : this / am able to
prove. They are all of them of an uniform cream-brown. The name I have given
them is Alauda Isabellina. Any person wishing to see them may do so by calling at
my residence. Hoping you will give this publication,
" I am, Sir, Yours, &c.,
" Margate, Jan. 24th, 1847." " S. Mummery."
Should the species prove a new one, it is to be hoped you will give your subscribers
the advantage of a figure and descriptive measurements, Sec. — Edward H. M. S laden ;
Warnford, Feb. 12th, 1847.
Occurrence of the Black Redstart and Harlequin Duck near Torquay. — Among the
rarer British birds which have visited us this winter, I have noticed three pair of black
redstarts; and during the same period a small flock of harlequin ducks have frequented
our bay, of which, I have been fortunate enough to procure two specimens, a male
and female. — Robert Battersby, M.D. ; Torquay, Feb. 20th, 1847.
Occurrence of the Gray Phalarope at Mitcheldean. — Last January a specimen of
this bird was killed at Mitcheldean on a small duck-pond, close to a farm-house. It
was very tame, and had been associating with the ducks some days before it was shot ;
this bird was sent to me, and is now in my possession. — /. N. Beadles ; Broadway y
Worcestershire , March 3rd, 1847.
1698 Birds.
Swans on Lake Pepin. — About a quarter past twelve we suddenly came upon Lake
Pepin, and the weather having improved into a fine sunny morning, the spectacle
which presented itself was as rare and beautiful as any I had seen the whole sum-
mer. Upon the smooth and glassy surface of the lake hundreds upon hundreds
of noble swans were floating with their cygnets, looking at a distance like boats under
sail. The cygnets were still of a dull yellow colour, and all the birds were very shy.
It made a beautiful picture, and after contemplating it awhile, we again plied our pad-
dles, and half an hour before sunset stopped on the left bank of the lake, about eight
miles from its mouth, and encamped for the night on the beach. — Featherstonhaugtis
Canoe Voyage.
Occurrence of the Bimaculated Duck. — On the 9th of last December I obtained a
female of the bimaculated duck from Leadenhall Market, where it had been sent from
Yarmouth. Mr. Yarrell, to whom I showed it when freshly skinned, expressed an
opinion that it was a hybrid, but very kindly gave me access to the specimens in the
Zoological Society's Museum, and on a comparison with the female specimen of the
bimaculated duck which formed a part of Mr. Vigors' collection, it proved to be iden-
tical with that species, differing only in having a somewhat darker mark through the
eye, the top of the head having the markings darker, and the plumage generally not
quite so much tinged with rufous. The buff of the chin and throat is also purer and
rather more extensive, as well as being better defined. The speculum, too, does not
reflect quite so purple a tint, being a very bright green. However, these are very slight
differences, and such as I find, by examination, to exist between female individuals of
the common wild duck, which very nearly resembles the female of the bimaculated
duck, except in size. This specimen measured, when fresh, 17^ inches from the point
of the bill to the end of the tail, and in stretch of wings 27 inches. The irides red-
dish-brown. The stomach was half-filled with fine sand. It had evidently been de-
coyed, as the neck was dislocated. This specimen makes the fifth recorded to have
been taken in England. The first is the one mentioned by Pennant; the second and
third, the specimens in the Zoological Society's Museum ; and a fourth, obtained by
Mr. Bartlett in 1843. All, except Pennant's, have been obtained from Leadenhall
Market. Several continental naturalists have mentioned the bimaculated duck, but I
cannot learn where they have obtained their specimens. Pallas, I believe, figured it,
so has Meyer, and Temminck speaks of its being subject to variety, yet no foreign spe-
cimens have ever found their way to our museums or private collections ; at least not
any that I can gain any intelligence of. Perhaps some of your numerous correspon-
dents can give some information on this subject. An opinion has lately been ex-
pressed, that this species is nothing more than a cross between the pintail and widgeon,
but to me there appears very slight evidence of this ; the buff colour of the bar across
the secondaries, in the male bimaculated duck, immediately above the speculum, being
the only respect in which it in any degree resembles the male pintail. To the male
widgeon there are no points of resemblance. Mr. Bartlett, has, however, suggested to
me a far more probable cross, which is, between the wild duck and teal, and on subse-
quent examination, I have found considerable evidence in favour of this, but at the
same time several peculiarities which remain unexplained. I will endeavour briefly
to state the result of these investigations. The back of the male bimaculated duck
very greatly resembles that of the mallard, but has the long yellow mark on the elon-
gated scapulars, which is so conspicuous in the male teal. The tertials, immediately
above, and as it were, parallel with the speculum, exactly resemble those of the mal-
Birds. 1699
lard. The speculum itself resembles most nearly the mallard's, being of a brilliant
green ; in the teal it is half green and half black. The lesser wing-coverts resemble
the mallard's, as do the primaries and tail. The two middle feathers of the upper tail-
coverts are the same colour as in the mallard, and very slightly curled upwards. The
breast is an exact mixture of the two species, having the purplish-chestnut of the mal-
lard mixed with the spots of the teal. Having now stated some of the principal
points of resemblance to such a cross, I will state in what respects it differs. First,
then, the supposition of its being a hybrid between the teal and wild duck does not in
any degree explain the two peculiar spots on the cheeks indeed it so nearly resembles
the Japan teal (Anas formosa), in the form and position of these spots or marks, (an un-
doubted species and true duck), that one might be almost led to think it as constitut-
ing a generic character. It is true, that the head is a mixture of green and chest-
nut, and so far is a mixture of the teal and mallard. The next dissenting point is the
buff bar across, above the speculum, which in the teal is white, slightly tinged with
buff, and in the mallard white, which is again tipped with black, making a double bar.
Much more might be said on this subject but I hope enough has been said to draw the
attention of those to the subject who may be fortunate enough to procure a fresh male
specimen of this rare bird : in which case, I most sincerely hope that accurate mea-
surements may be taken, and the trachea preserved, which in the males of the duck
tribe forms a very distinctive character : the sternum too would be valuable. Unfor-
tunately, I was not aware of the rarity of my specimen until the body had been thrown
away. Until a fresh.male specimen can be obtained and examined, I fear the uncer-
tainty which at present exists respecting this species will scarcely be cleared away.
Mr. George Gray, to whom I have shown the specimen, thinks the supposition of its
being a hybrid a very probable one. Since writing the above, I have received a note
from Mr. Bartlett, in which he speaks of two hybrid ducks, an account of which has
been transmitted to him by a friend at Shrewsbury ; which, if I understand him cor-
rectly, are a cross between the pintail and widgeon. He says, " They are 24 inches
long, and want the markings on the breast to make them like the bimaculated duck ;
the middle tail-feathers are more than an inch longer than the rest." The fresh spe-
cimen of the female bimaculated duck, it will be remembered, measured but 17£
inches. I sincerely apologize for writing so lengthy a paper to occupy the space of
your most valuable journal. — R. F. Tomes ; Weston, Feb. 18th, 1847.
Occurrence of the Ivory Gull at Penzance. — A bird of this species was shot from
our Pier Head, on Monday the 15th instant, after having been observed, for a day or
two previously, in company with common sea-mews and herring gulls. It alighted
several times on the New Pier, Battery Rocks, &c, adjacent to the town, without be-
traying any apparent shyness. The note of the bird was described to me as being the
reverse of harsh and grating, as referred to by authors. It more resembled the war-
bling, chirping whistle of oyster-catchers, but was deeper and louder ; this peculiarity
of tone attracted the notice of men and boys at the quay, who are accustomed to the
screaming and clamorous cries of the common gulls. This specimen measured 17£
inches in length ; the plumage on the back, scapulars, and wing-coverts, is studded
with well-defined dusky-brown spots ; the tips of the quill-feathers for half an inch are
of the same colour ; the tail-feathers are similarly marked, and being of equal length,
present an uniform dark line across the end of the tail. This example has passed in-
to my possession, and I am not aware of any record of its having been before obtained
in this county. — Edward Hearle Rodd ; Penzance, Februarij 27th, 1847.
1700 Birds.
Occurrence of the Ivory Gull in Aberdeenshire. — The continued prevalence of snowy
and tempestuous weather for some time past has compelled the arctic birds to leave
their customary retreats ; and, in consequence, some of those species which are rarely
to be seen in this country have lately made their appearance on the shore along the
Moray Firth. Of these, one of the most unusual and interesting is the ivory gull, the
Larus eburneus of authors. An individual of this species was observed, for several
weeks, in company with two Iceland gulls, and another gull with a brownish plumage.
Its mode of flight was regular, very lofty, and well sustained. Its particular cry was
not heard. It was at length shot on the 29th of January last, while seated on a rock,
about four miles to the eastward of Banff. On dissection, it proved to be a female.
In length it measured 1 foot 6 inches, and in extent of wing 3 feet. Its weight was
twelve ounces. It has been stuffed, and is now before me. It is a very beautiful bird,
although it would seem not to have reached the complete state of maturity. This is
indicated by a grayish-black bar, which extends from the base of the bill to the eye ;
by some faint streaks of the same colour on the head, the nape, and the throat ; and
by a few inconspicuous specks close beside the spurious wing. A brownish-black co-
lour appears in a very slight margin along the end of the tail, and on the very tips of
some of the quill-feathers. In every other part of its plumage the bird is of the purest
white, and has none of that yellow tinge which is more or less discernible in ivory.
On this account its specific name of eburneus, or ivory, is not, strictly speaking, accu-
rate, and niveus, or snow white, would be undoubtedly a more correct designation.
There is no appearance of red in the orbits of the eyes, and its bill has no yellow upon
it ; the presence of both which characters is given by Dr. Richardson, who is usually
very accurate, as marks of the bird having attained to full maturity. It agrees, in-
deed, in every particular with the descrption given by that distinguished traveller and
naturalist, of an immature bird of this species, which was killed at Hudson's Bay.
(Fauna Boreali- Americana, voj. ii. p. 419). A specimen of the ivory gull, having, also,
a few marks of immaturity, was obtained in Shetland in 1822 ; and, it is believed, is
now in the Edinburgh Museum. It was from this specimen that Bewick made the
woodcut for his ' British Birds,' which agrees exactly with the present specimen, ex-
cept in the circumstance of the upper mandible in the cut being more strongly
hooked than in the bird before me. The bill, judging from the present specimen, is
rather lengthened, and not remarkably strong ; and the angular knob on the outer
edge of the under mandible is not very decidedly marked. The legs and toes are
black. The under surface of the webs and toes is unusually rough and warty. Mr.
Selby says, that a specimen, also immature, was obtained since 1822 in the Firth of
Clyde, and it is stated by Sir John Ross, in the Appendix to his Voyage of Arctic
Discovery, (published in 1835), that the ivory gull had recently made its appearance
on the western shores of Ireland. The present specimen was shot and mounted by
Mr. Thomas Edward, a journeyman shoemaker in Banff. This individual, although
moving in a humble walk of life, and without the benefit of an extended education,
has been long actuated by an enthusiastic admiration of the works of nature, and has
persevered in their pursuit and study, amid difficulties and discouragements, which few
would have continued to encounter. He has directed his attention to all the depart-
ments of Nature within his reach ; and, by his own unaided exertions, has become an
excellent stuffer and preserver of the various objects in Natural History. His collec-
tion, formed entirely by his own industry, and in moments when not at his regular
and daily employment, and greatly admired by those who were the most competent to
Birds. 1701
form an opinion of its merits, amounted lately to several thousand objects. These he
has been compelled, from circumstances, to part with, at a price very far below their
real value ; but, undismayed by this, he is still as anxious as ever in his researches, and
as devoted as before in his love of Nature. Such an example is well worthy of imita-
tion, and deserves to be known ; and I trust that, on this account, your own ex-
cellent publication may be the means of recommending this meritorious and modest
individual to a more extended notice than he has yet enjoyed. I may mention,
while on the subject of birds deemed rare, at least in your part of the island, that,
while in pursuit of the present specimen of the ivory gull, the individual now men-
tioned, met, in one day, and in a walk along the coast of scarcely five miles, with no
fewer than fifty-seven specimens of the little auk, (Mergulus alle), which had been
washed ashore dead. It may easily be conceived how furious and continued the
storm must have been which deprived so many of these intrepid little navigators of
life, on that very ocean, where, in ordinary weather, they disport themselves in safety,
and find ample means of subsistence. Specimens of razor-bills, guillemots, and
puffins were seen, at the same time, strewed about in corresponding numbers.—
James Smith ; Manse of Monquhitter by Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Feb. \5th, 1847.
Occurrence of the Gannet near Dartford, Kent. — A few days since, a gannet (Sula
alba) was brought to me, which had been captured by a shepherd in a turnip-field,
about three miles from this place. The man had much difficulty in securing it, and
his hands were torn in many places by its beak. The facts of its not flying when he
approached it, and of there being no food in its stomach, induce me to suppose it was
weakened by hunger. I hardly know whether the circumstance is worth writing about,
but I have neither seen or heard of its occurring so far up the Thames ; and the field
in which it was caught was fully five miles from the river. — R. O. White ; Swanscombe
Cross, near Dartford, March 5th, 1847.
Occurrence of the Little Auk near Chipping Norton. — In December last, a speci-
men of this aquatic bird was caught thus far inland, on a farm at the village of Sal-
ford, about two miles from this place ; it was brought alive to the town, and has since
been preserved. Some years since, another individual, killed by one of the hawk
tribe, was picked up in an adjoining parish by a young farmer, who tried to shoot the
aggressor, but in vain. The prize was stuffed, and is still in the same person's pos-
session.— T. Goatley ; Chipping Norton, March 18th, 1847.
Birds taken up in a Balloon. — At the altitude of 11,000 feet, they liberated a green-
finch, which flew away directly ; but soon feeling itself abandoned in the midst of an
unknown ocean of clouds, it returned, and settled on the stays of the balloon : then
mustering fresh courage, it took a second flight, and dashed downwards to the earth,
describing a tortuous, yet almost perpendicular, track. A pigeon, which they let off
under similar circumstances, afforded a more curious spectacle : placed on the edge of
the car, it rested awhile, measuring, as it were, the breadth of that unexplored sea
which it designed to traverse; now launching into the abyss, it fluttered irregularly,
and seemed at first to tiy its wings in the thin element ; till after a few strokes, it
gained more confidence, and whirling in large circles, or spirals, like a bird of prey, it
precipitated itself towards the mass of extended clouds, where it was lost from sight. —
Scientific Gazette, August 6th, 1825.
Notice of Ornithological and other Occurrences in Norfolk for the Month of
March, 1847. — The early part of this month was marked by the disappearance of the
unusual numbers of the marsh-tit, referred to in our last communication (Zool. 1691).
V T
1702 Reptiles.
A few remaining stragglers of the common winter wild-fowl, and with them a few im-
mature specimens of the red-breasted merganser, occurred about the same time. It
has been observed by Mr. Palgrave, at Yarmouth, that the hooded crows appeared to
congregate at that place, previous to their northward migration, about the 18th of this
month, and that many of them appeared to depart with a south wind, which sprang up
on the 20th : the same wind was observed to bring with it a considerable number of
pied wagtails, several of which were seen to alight in a field near Caistor. The mi-
gration of this bird in Norfolk was not before known to us. The Sclavonian grebe,
which (still retaining its winter dress) generally passes through Norfolk during this
month, on its northward migration, in tolerable abundance, has this year been decidedly
less numerous than usual. A male lesser spotted woodpecker was killed, about the
third week of the month, at Blickling, (a parish which has been previously observed to
be a locality for this species), and about the same time a male gadwall was killed at
Surlingham. At the end of the month several specimens of the pintail and garganey
ducks occurred on different parts of the coast. A very beautiful specimen of the little
crake, in adult plumage, was also taken near Yarmouth at the end of the month. On
the 31st, a pair of woodlarks were observed on some hollies, at Easton ; and we are in-
clined to suspect that the few birds of this species which are found in Norfolk arrive
about this time, and that the opinion which we have expressed as to their remaining in
Norfolk through the winter (Zool. 1310) is incorrect. A butterfly, the description of
which leaves no doubt that it was the Camberwell Beauty, was observed at Easton on
the 22nd of this month, about § past 4, p.m. The afternoon was very fine, and the in-
sect was observed fluttering over some heath for a short time, when it rose and disap-
peared among the tops of some neighbouring birch trees. — J. H. Gurney, William R.
Fisher ; March, 1847.
Errata in the Notes for January and February.
At page 1691, the second line from the bottom, for seeking, read netting.
„ 1692, the fifth line from the top, for martin, read merlin.
„ „ the twelfth line from the top, for shrew, read smew.
A Tortoise Bank. — The river now expanded to about eight hundred yards wide,
and paddling pleasantly along we came to a high sloping bank of loose sand, which I
landed to examine. It had an angle of more than 50°, had a sonth-west aspect, and
was composed of loose, sharp sand, derived from disintegrated rock. This was one of
those tortoise-banks occasionally found on the margin of the rivers where that amphi-
bious animal abounds. In the upper parts of the Tenessee and its tributaries they
attain a large size, as I had occasion to remark when examining, upon a previous oc-
casion, the country watered by the Holston. The contrivance of this species (Trionyx
ferox) for providing for the hatching of its eggs forcibly shows the power of animal in-
stinct ; and the details respecting it which I am about to give may be considered as
illustrating some of the phenomena connected with the fossil footmarks found at Corn
Cockle Muir, and at Craigs, near Dumfries, where the inclination of the strata is also
about 45° S.W. Where a slope like the one I was now examining exists near waters
Reptiles. ] 703
inhabited by this species, the animal, at the proper season, crawls up it, and when ar-
rived at the top begins to make its nest. This is done by screwing its body repeatedly
round in the sand, until it has scooped a pit sufficiently large ; here it lays from
twenty to forty round eggs, generally without a shelly calcareous covering, but covered
with a tenacious membrane. Sand is then scratched over the eggs to the depth of
six or eight inches, which the tortoise pats down firmly by rising on its hind-feet, and
flattening the nest with its anterior extremities. When the sun has hatched the eggs,
the young animals force their way out of the sand, and following their own instinct,
and the inclination of the slope, roll down into the river. — Featherstonhaugh's Canoe
Voyage.
Sagacity in Frogs. — I have read with much interest the curious anecdote of the
frogs (Zool. 1643), but finding that I cannot acquiesce in the suggestions of the narra-
tor, as to the motives for their conduct, I am now about to examine why, and also to
see whether I can suggest anything that appears to myself more probable. In the
first place, I am strongly predisposed to consider the frog incapable of the implied
degree of sagacity ; both because I cannot recollect to have seen, heard, or read in
books of authority, proofs or indications of anything at all equal to it in the frog, nor
yet in any of his relations, — toads, newts, lizards, snakes, fish ; and also because even
in the hot-blooded animals, whose intellects for the most part seem to be of a higher
order, similar instances of sagacity are very rare. Where can we find tjiem at all ?
Perhaps here and there in some pre-eminently gifted individual of one of those supe-
rior races of animals who are constantly in the company of man, who every day expe-
rience his benefits and his power, and who have learned to look up to him and to trust
in him for everything. But the frog is none of these : if we allow him to have suf-
ficient sagacity, he has nevertheless none of the opportunities necessary for acquiring
that knowledge of man and of his nature, which the subjects of our present considera-
tion are supposed to have possessed. Even were the knowledge of man instinctive,
these frogs showed further very great ingenuity in the plans of action they founded
upon this knowledge of theirs: and of their being master of such ingenuity and sa-
gacity, we are, I think, entirely without sufficient evidence. And not only do I think
him incapable of assisting a friend in misfortune in the manner supposed, if he wished
to help him, but I even doubt whether he ever would wish it. Do we know any in-
stances of frogs or toads caring for their wounded or imprisoned fellow-creatures? In
other classes of animals, no doubt, it is common for certain species to assemble round
an injured companion ; but often in anger rather than in love ; and in putting him
out of his misery, they show the kindness of their Creator rather than their own.
What other explanation'then do we give for the facts recorded by Mr. Davis ? In
the first place, we declare that because we question the correctness of his views, we
are not therefore compelled to give satisfactory ones of our own ; because, upon
the general principles of reasoning, this is not required ; and because, in this particu-
lar instance of the frog, an animal with whose habits, feelings, and senses, we have so
little in common, it is very difficult to explain any part of its conduct.
But let us consider the circumstances before us. Two frogs are observed acting in
an extraordinary manner, close to a spot where some hours afterwards a frog is found
imprisoned, in such a way that he was most likely in the same state when the other
frogs were seen at liberty. Now, at first, it seems highly probable that he was the
cause of the assembling, and of the excited movements of the other frogs. But we
must argue from what we already know of the habits of the frog in general, and if we
1704 Reptiles.
find we do not know enough, we must wait for further facts to be ascertained, either
by accidental or experimental observation.
First, then, we know that frogs make at least two or three different kinds of noise,
which, reasoning from universal analogy, we suppose other frogs to be able to dis-
tinguish and understand. They have their breeding croak ; their cries of despair,
when pursued by a bird of prey ; and, I think, other sounds expressive of bodily pain.
Secondly, we know that some of their notes have the effect of collecting other frogs.
Thus, in the spring, the croak proclaims the rendezvous for spawning, and in the au-
tumn something of the kind may be used to assemble those clusters of frogs which are
found hybernating together ; as we are told that rattlesnakes, on a similar occasion,
collect themselves together by means of hissing. We only want then to know for cer-
tain, whether a frog, trapped by the leg, would sooner or later cry out ;. and then
whether this would have the effect of collecting others ? We have seen, from what we
know of the frog, that both these are likely, and it is a likelihood much strengthened
by what we know of the habits of various other animals, a consideration indeed to
which we are apt to give too much weight. But still there is the climbing and jump-
ing down to be accounted for. We reject, for the reasons given before, Mr. Davis's
explanation of these actions. We find a difficulty in connecting them with the pri-
soner at all, unless we may consider them the result of infatuated excitement about
him in the other frogs. This leads us to conjecture whether, after all, he may not
himself have been playing the same tricks when he was trapped in the blind. But,
whether it was so, or whether his noise, being merely an ordinary croak, deluded the
other eager frogs into false hopes of there being something worth going for, we may
in either case venture the following suggestions.
It is a rainy evening in October, the time of day and the sort of weather when
frogs are sure to be on the move, and the time of year when we may suppose them to
be looking out for lodgings for the winter. The rain comes streaming from the roof,
or is heard running down spouts : the frogs suppose, instinctively, that where water
runs down there must be more above, and they try to climb up, hoping to find a pond
where they may lie in the mud till spring. By instinct, fishes in a pump-trough, try
to swim up any little jet by which fresh water is supplied to them. Perhaps our frogs,
having got some little height, mistake the glass for water, and try to jump down into
it ; or the glass looking so like water, may have been what originally attracted them,
especially if there is any rising ground before the window. The probability of these
suggestions will of course much depend upon local circumstances, as whether they
could have had access to a pond without any trouble.
Another explanation that might perhaps suggest itself, is, that if they were in a
walled garden they were trying to climb out, as every one has seen frogs sticking their
toes into the sides of wells in the most uncomfortable efforts to escape, and as we know
snakes and lizards will make great exertions for the same purpose ; I have even seen
vipers in the ivy, nearly at the top of a ten-foot wall. But we must not forget Mr.
Davis's first idea,'athat the light may have attracted them, for it is curious how many
animals are attracted by light ; some insects, perhaps more than we are apt to suppose,
mistaking it for the signal of their mates ; some birds perhaps guiding their nocturnal
flight by it, instead of by a star ; other birds, thinking themselves in a confined space,
flying to the light as to a hole for escape ; some fishes, possibly seeking phosphores-
cent food, come to the light by mistake ; other animals being excited by curiosity ;
whilst in many cases, we cannot even venture a guess as to the reason of a light
Fishes. 1705
being such a great attraction ; but has any one observed frogs undoubtedly so in-
fluenced ?
I have, perhaps, after all, made but little advance towards the truth ; but I have, I
hope, explained why I cannot consider the extraordinary sagacity of the frog at all es-
tablished by the anecdote before us. But that we may come to some satisfactory de-
termination, we must make observations and experiments, and communicate to the
1 Zoologist ' any important results of them. I shall be really glad if these tend to
elevate my present views of the moral and intellectual attributes of the frog ; for I well
remember the time when I fondly looked upon him as the most pious of animals.
Besides, his attitude of prayer, and his resignation in the extremity of danger ; when I
saw the fair and plump young frogs carrying their helpless relatives, I used to think it
a case equalled only by the Dutch story of the stork, and by that of iEneas after the
siege of Troy. — /. Wolley.
Notes on the Fishes of the District of the Land's End.
By R. Q. Couch, Esq., M.R.C.S.L., &c.
(Continued from page 1648).
The " schull " to which I have been referring is the one commonly
called the " summer schull ; " there is another which the fishermen
call the "winter fish." This last, from the spot in which it first ap-
pears, from its course, and from the appearance of the fish, is perfectly
distinct from the former. The winter shoals always first appear on
the north-eastern portions of our shores. They are very rarely seen
to the east or north-east of Sunday Island. After having touched the
shore, they always pass down close by the coast, and that in such vast
swarms as even to obstruct the passage of vessels through the water.
That this is no exaggeration may be rendered evident from the state-
ment of one among many ascertained facts. At the usual time, in
1834, this immense shoal passed into St. Ives' Bay ; and a portion re-
mained in the waters on its western side, and occupied the whole of
the distance from the mouth of Hayle River to the town of St. Ives, a
distance of more than two miles in a direct line, and the transverse
diameter was about three-fourths of a mile. To this mass of fish a
seine was shot ; or to render it clearer, to persons not accustomed to
the fishery, a seine was made to enclose as much as its length would
allow, and my friend, Joseph Carne, Esq., has furnished me writh the
result. He says in a letter, " The largest shoal of pilchards ever en-
closed, was taken in a seine of Mr. Roger Bearne at St. Ives, on the
1706 Fishes.
*25th of November, 1834. The fishermen were engaged in tucking,
or taking the fish out of the seine, from the 26th of November
(Sundays excepted) to the 5th of December. In that period one hun-
dred and twenty boat-loads were landed, one boat-load was sunk,
and several loads were lost in tucking. The whole quantity
taken up and carried to the cellars was 3600 hogsheads, which with
the lost fish would have been at least 4000 hogsheads, each contain-
ing fifty wine gallons, or about 3000 pilchards, (as the fish were not
large), making altogether the enormous quantity of 12,000,000 fish."
To render the density of the fish still more intelligible, I should
observe that a seine is about 160 fathoms in length, and from eight to
twelve fathoms in depth, so that the 12,000,000 pilchards were en-
closed in a circle not fifty-four fathoms in diameter ; and in this case
but seven fathoms deep. On the same occasion other seines were
"shot," but in consequence of a legal dispute, some of the fish were
not taken ofF the nets for some days, and for security the seines were
drawn a few fathoms towards the shore and anchored. It was subse-
quently thought best, however, to land the fish first; and decide the
dispute after. But on tucking, all the fish were discovered to be dead ;
the slight alteration in the depth of the water on such a dense mass
had suffocated the whole. These are striking, but not singular
instances of the density of the masses into which the pilchards fre-
quently congregate. As they pass in such immense shoals parallel to
the shores, discolouring the waters and filling our bays, large
quantities are frequently pushed on shore by the moving hosts
behind. Their course can be daily watched from the hills, after they
have once approached the land. In October of 1846, the shoal
passed into St. Ives, and while on the western shores of the bay,
30,000 hogsheads were enclosed in a few hours : now if we suppose
2500 only to the hogshead, we here have 75,000,000 fish enclosed in
a single port in one day, while large quantities remained at liberty
beyond. Of this catch about 23,000 hogsheads or about 57,500,000
were landed. The winter shoals are remarkably punctual in their ap-
pearance; they generally arrive at St. Ives about the third week in
October, varying to the first week in November. In 1844 they
passed the whole length of the Cornish shores to St. Ives on the
north in about four days, and from this circumstance they were ex-
pected round Cape Cornwall and the Land's End daily ; but they
took three days to make the circuit of St. Ives Bay ; still on passing
Clodgy Point, its western boundary, they resumed their rapid pro-
gress, and in two days made their appearance in Mount's Bay and
Fishes. 1707
passed up the British Channel. In their passage round the Land's
End, they passed close to the rocks. The winter fish are larger, but
by no means so oily as those of the summer. A hogshead of sum-
mer fish will produce on an average about four gallons of good oil ;
sometimes, however, so much as nine gallons have been expressed, and
at others only two and a half, and three. The average of the winter fish
will yield only two, or when very good, three gallons. But it should
be observed, that the quantity of oil expressed in winter slightly va-
ries with the character of the weather ; if the cellars be well venti-
lated, it is less than when the windows and doors are closed. So that
if the summer fish could be cured in very cold weather, the average
might be something less than four gallons ; and the winter fish
might produce more if the weather was warm. But there is a
decided difference in every particular between the two sets of fish.
The foregoing observations refer chiefly to the annual migrations of
this fish, but there are more minute habits, which disappear in the
great annual assemblies, and these exert some influence on the
fishery. During the periods when they are not sought after by the
fishermen, they wander either singly or in small companies, in deep
water, and rarely mount to the surface. As summer advances they
congregate into small companies, but they show a greater tendency
to do so during the day, especially towards the afternoon, than in the
night. As night approaches, they show an inclination to move off the
shore, and re-unite, after daylight, in the morning. But when the
force of the migrations is fully established these habits become ob-
scured, and finally become obliterated, or rather overwhelmed, in the
general tendency of the whole to approach the shore. The seine
fishery is carried on from sunrise to sunset, and the drif-tnet from sun-
set to sunrise.
While the general course or direction of the fish appears to have
been always similar to that of the present day, yet the seasons vary
very much as to the quantity taken, and taking remote dates as a
guide in periods of their appearance on our shores. Lately, however,
they have rarely varied more than a few weeks. If we look at the old
records we find the fishery entirely different from what at present ob-
tains; thus in 1747, Falmouth exported 14,632, and Penzance about
12,149 hogsheads, and St. Ives only 1282 hogsheads. This, however,
may not have arisen from a change of any one of the shoals, but from
a change in the preponderance of the summer or winter fish. But
there are certainly variations in their points of arrival ; spots that in
former years were their favourite resorts are now never visited by
1708 Fishes.
them. The fishery on the Devonshire coasts, such as at Dartmouth,
Bogburry Bay, &c. are, I believe, all but given up. St. Ives, from
having only one seine, and that belonging to Messrs. Boletho's, has
now 180, a number greater than all the other stations can produce.
The general place of resort for the pilchard is to the west of the Scilly
Islands and the circumjacent water, some of the smaller shoals even
frequenting the southern shores of Ireland ; but Thomas Boletho,
Esq., informs me that in 1836 the great mass of the fish appeared on
the north-east part of the Bay of Biscay in September. In that sea-
son the fishery was very late ; so late, indeed, that it was almost given
up as an entire failure. A captain of one of his vessels from the Me-
diterranean arrived, and told him of an immense shoal he had passed
two days before, and which he left forty miles to the south-west of the
Lizard, in the Bay of Biscay, the course of which was in a north-
easterly direction. His tale was, that from the time he fell in with
them he had a light breeze and was going before it about five miles
an hour, and that the time occupied in going through the mass was
more than twenty hours, making at least a shoal of a hundred miles in
length, the breadth he could not ascertain. He discovered what they
were by taking some up in the ship's bucket. Two days after, his
account was confirmed, by the shoal approaching the shore, and ex-
tending from Fowey to the Land's End, a distance fully equal to what
he had described, if the windings of the shores enter into the consi-
deration. While, however, they do not extend much beyond the Cor-
nish shores, yet some have been taken in the Downs, and off Dover,
and the Isle of Wight, by the herring drift-nets ; and a few have been
taken on the Coast of Spain. In 1791, the drift-nets took large
quantities in February, and in 1834 they were abundant at Mevagissey
about the same time. It may, therefore, now be asserted that the pil-
chard remains off the Cornish shores 'throughout the year. The
largest quantity ever secured in one day occurred at St. Ives in Sep-
tember last, the 30,000 hogsheads referred to before.
It may be interesting, perhaps, to some of your ichthylogical read-
ers, to refer, however briefly, to a few of the more casual traits of this
small, but important fish. On the southern shores of Cornwall the
herring is rarely to be met with, except in a few straggling companies.
On the northern shores, however, the herring is more abundantly
caught. It is a habit of all the species of the genus Clupea to asso-
ciate in companies and shoals ; but the herring and pilchard never
intermingle. Small companies of each will pass and repass each
other without mixing. Early in the season some boats will capture
Fishes. 1709
herrings, while others, but a short distance from them, will take no-
thing but pilchards ; others again will take both, as might be
expected from the nature of the drift-net fishery. The seines also
Trill sometimes enclose one and sometimes the other, but never
both, in such quantities as to lead us to suppose an indiscriminate
mixture of the two. When they are first preparing for their migra-
tions, fish of the same size and fatness always herd together ; so that
different seines will take very variable fish : but when the whole are
united and the migratory feeling is at its greatest development, then
the largest and healthiest fish take the lead, and the weaker and
smaller portions take up the rear and form one shoal ; hence the fish
first taken are generally the best. It is also a remarkable circum-
stance, that when the pilchard has assembled, it displaces all the
other fish having a similar habit. It drives nearly all other kinds
away, except those which make the pilchard their prey, such as the
hake ; but in the largest " schulls " even these disappear. These
facts will explain several observations of the fishermen, by which they
regulate their hopes and fears. At St. Ives, it is a general remark,
that the herrings always are inside the shoal of pilchards, and that
when these are taken near the shore, the bulk of the pilchards may
be expected, the explanation being that the herrings are driven be-
fore the advancing hosts. If mixed fish are taken in the drift-nets,
no shoals are expected, in consequence of the assembling not being
completed.
My notes for the season just past, after the foregoing lengthy re-
marks, shall be very short. The fish were seen daily from the time of
their first appearance. The fishery began, in this district, in August,
and on the 5th, moderate quantities were taken off St. Ives ; about
five thousand per boat, per night. On the 9th, 10th, and 11th, small
catches were taken in the south-west part of Mount's Bay, and one
seine shot and enclosed about two boat-loads : at this time, to the
east, 1200 hogsheads were taken in Gerran's Bay ; and the drift-nets
were very successful at Falmouth, Charlestown, Mevagissey, Fowey,
Polperro, and Looe. From the 12th to the 19th, the catches in
Mount's Bay continued small ; about the Lizard, one thousand hogs-
heads were taken ; at this time no pilchards were taken at St Ives.
From this it appears, that the shoals crossed Mount's Bay eastward, to
the Lizard and the eastern stations, in deep water. While they were
thus abundant in the east, they were all but absent in the west. From
the 19th to the 26th, very few pilchards were taken at Mount's Bay;
and none at St. Ives. At Falmouth the catches were good ; but at
1710 Fishes.
Looe, Polperro, and Cawsand, in Plymouth Sound, the quantities
taken were greater than before, showing an eastern movement. From
the 1st to the 8th of September, the fish came nearer the shore, and
were taken in large numbers at Polperro and Looe, equalling 30,000
per boat, every night. At this time, while the summer fish were on
the south-western shores of the county, the winter fish were observed
on the north-eastern shores, at New Quay, about three or four miles
from land. On the 13th, the northern fish were seen from the hills
near St. Agnes ; and on the 15th and 16th, off St. Ives, but the shoals
were small and distant : large catches were still made on the south-
eastern shores. From the 16th to the 19th, south-eastern fishery still
successful ; the north-eastern shoals off St. Ives in deep water. For
a week after this, all the fisheries failed, but the shoals were observed
to be congregating on the north-eastern shores; and on the 27th, heva
was sounded at St. Ives. The Bay was full of fish from one side to
the other, and 30,000 hogsheads were quickly enclosed. From this
point they go further west, sometimes beyond the Scilly Islands, and
at others between the Islands and the Land's-End. In some seasons,
after thus passing south, they take an easterly turn along the south
coasts to Mevagissey Bay, where they generally arrive about the mid-
dle of November. But in every case in which they have gone so far
to the east, they have been followed by large Cetacea, generally
Delphinus delphis, several of which have from time to time been
taken. This year the winter fish arrived at St. Ives several weeks
earlier than usual. Mr. Boletho made a very interesting observation
to me, a short time since, in reference to the movements of the
pilchard and the herring, which, if it always proves correct, will be
worthy of further investigation : he stated, that the herring fishermen
of Yarmouth were always desirous of carefully ascertaining the time
when the pilchard arrived at St. Ives, for that the arrival of the pil-
chard at St. Ives coincided to a day with the arrival of the herrings at
Yarmouth ; whether the season was early or late, they were early and
late together ; and if the pilchard at St. Ives arrived without the her-
ring at Yarmouth, the fishery proved a failure for the season.
The pilchard frequently arrives close to the shore before they are
discovered; in such a case the drift-nets serve as an index to the
seine fishermen. The experienced eye of the huer, or watcher for
the fish, can, however, frequently detect their presence when all others
would fail. On one occasion, a huer at St. Ives raised the cry of
* heva,' when no one else could see the least indication of their pre-
sence. The seine, however, was shot according to his direction, in a
Fishes. 1711
muddy part of the bay, but still no fish appeared till many hours after,
when they all rose to the surface simultaneously, and 1200 hogsheads
were afterwards taken up. The pilchard is very sensitive to atmos-
pheric changes ; if there should be cold bleak winds from the east,
north, or north-east they rarely rise or approach the shores. If it
should be a calm, or a good breeze from the south, south-west, or
west, they very rapidly associate ; and a day or two previous to a
storm they will frequently move with great rapidity. The shoals are
supposed by the fishermen to be guided by what may be called a
king, or at any rate by the larger and stronger individuals. They al-
ways move with great precision, and all their evolutions are simulta-
neously effected. A shoal, when enclosed, will sometimes remain mo-
tionless, in regular order, with their heads all turned in one direction ;
if the boat be struck loudly, the whole will instantaneously turn to the
opposite point without the least confusion, like soldiers at a review.
The number of drift-net boats engaged in the pilchard-fishery in
Mount's Bay is 180, each having seven men, and the quantities taken
by them are very great. Each hogshead contains from 2000 to 2500
fish. The quantity exported for the last ten years amounts to
176,168 hogsheads ; one-third more is used for home consumption,
and large quantities, from being suffocated in the seines, are yearly
used for manure.
During the last season 33,959 hogsheads have been exported, 3052
of which were sent to Genoa, 8499 to Leghorn, 1368 to Civitta
Vecchia, 13,309 to Naples, 7731 to the Adriatic: of these 16,577
were exported from St. Ives, 7983 from Penzance, 3213 from Meva-
gissey, and the remainder from Falmouth, Looe, and Charlestown.
As it is not the object of these notes, already extended beyond their
intended limits, to refer to the fisheries any further than to illustrate
the habits of the fish, the account of them is designedly omitted.
The Herring, Clupea harengus. Though there is no special fishery
for the herring on the Cornish shores, yet they rarely appear on our
northern coast in sufficient quantities to have a short period of drift-net
speculation devoted to them. On the southern parts of Cornwall, they
are so scarce and uncertain in their appearance, that they are only
taken by accident in small quantities ; and even then are not at all
desired. They are caught by such drift-nets as are fishing for the
early shoals of pilchards in July and August. At this time the pil-
chard is congregating, and the herrings are frequently mixed with
them. They are chiefly to be found in deep water, sometimes going
east and at others west, in small shoals. They are more abundant
1712 Fishes.
about Plymouth, and to the east of that port, than off Mount's Bay ;
for they decrease in numbers as you go in a westerly direction.
About August their course is easterly. The opinion of the fishermen
about this direction is, that those fish which visit the southern shores
come through the straits of Dover, while those of the northern coast
pass through the Irish Sea and St. George's Channel. The fishermen
of Mount's Bay, before they go on the Irish herring- fishery, are en-
gaged in taking the mackerel off Mount's Bay and the Land's End,
and they found it necessary occasionally to go to the west of the
Scilly Islands : at this time they frequently see small flocks of her-
rings, either sporting about at the surface of the water, or going in a
northerly direction. These they have, within the last few years, at-
tempted to take by means of the drift-net, a few pieces of which they
take with them for that purpose ; but they have never been successful,
and the plan is now given up. I cannot discover that those herrings
seen near the Scilly Islands ever pass up the British Channel. They
are rarely taken in Mount's Bay ; but in St. Ives, on the north coast,
they are frequently caught in large quantities, so late as September,
October, and November, when they are in larger bodies than in June
and July. Thus in 1845, from the 4th to the 10th of September,
1*20,000 were taken at St. Ives. They are common also on the
north part of the Devonshire coasts, and are there taken by the
drift-nets. But they are very uncertain in their movements ; for dur-
ing some seasons they are abundant, and in others are hardly to be
seen. At St. Ives, they are in some measure governed by the presence
of the pilchard, for they are always taken in the greatest quantities
when there are no pilchards, or immediately before the large "schulls"
appear ; the reason for which is given in the account of the migrations
of that fish. The largest quantities, however, pass up the St.
George's Channel and Irish Sea about the end of May or early
in June. The fishermen suppose that the bulk of the herrings remain
about the middle of the St. George's- Channel and the Irish Sea in
deep water, like the pilchard does further south, and that the small
shoals they see towards Scilly are merely the outskirts of the mass of
the fish. How far south they are found I have been unable satisfac-
torily to ascertain, but they lie to the north of the pilchard. The
boats of Mount's Bay and St. Ives leave Cornwall for the Irish shores
about the first week in June ; . and their first place of rendezvous
is Howth, where the fishery is at its greatest point of success about
the last week in June or the first week in July ; after this it decreases,
and the boats go further north. From the succession of the fisheries
Fishes. 1713
on different parts of the coasts, it appears that the herrings either go
from the south to the north, exactly the reverse of Pennant's views, or,
what is far more probable, approach from deep water off the shores on
which they appear. The produce of the fishery is very uncertain,
for the herring is a capricious fish ; but the returns vary from £1200
to £2300 for the month in which they are engaged on it.
The course the herring takes in the St. George's Channel, from
the accounts I can procure from the fishermen, is, that in June and
July they have a northerly direction, and at that time very few remain
near the Cornish shores; and that in September, October, and
November, they again come south, and are then caught at St. Ives.
This period of their migration north coincides with a similar mi-
gration of the pilchard, the habitation of both being north and
south of each other. I would call the attention of your readers
resident on the Norfolk coasts, to the opinion of their fishermen,
that the pilchard of St. Ives and the herring of Yarmouth appear
simultaneously. If such should prove to be the case, it will be
well worthy of record.
The herring is a more lively fish than the pilchard, and a more
rapid swimmer ; it wanders more and is more uncertain, according to
Dr. M'Culloch. As you have readers on all parts of our coast, it
would not, perhaps, be difficult to procure accurate information as to
the dates of the commencement of the fishery at each station, with
notices of the directions in which the fish are moving at the time.
Sprat, C. sprattus. The name of sprat is very vaguely applied by
the fishermen of Cornwall to the young of the pilchard, the herring,
and I believe of other fish. In the British Chaunel, or rather on the
southern shores of the county, it is very rare, being only occasionally
taken : on the northern coast it is more common, though it is not
abundant. It may, however, be on our shores more frequently than
we can detect, since we have no nets calculated to take them. They
assemble in small shoals on the north-eastern parts about December
and January.
Whitebait, C* alba. Not found in the district of the Land's End,
but it occurs in the Fowey River.
Twaite Shad, Alosa Jinta. Damin-herring. This fish frequents
Mount's Bay and the western parts of Cornwall generally, in rather
large numbers, towards the latter part of the summer pilchard-fishery,
and early in the autumnal mackerel-fishery. They are frequently
caught in the mackerel drift-nets off Scilly, and are considered by the
fishermen as a mongrel kind of herring. At the time they are caught,
1714 Fishes.
they are moving to the east or north-east, being taken on the western
side of the nets. The largest quantities pass up the northern
shores. They are held in no estimation as food, and sell at a very
low price.
Allice Shad, A. communis. Damin-herring. Equally common
with the twaite shad, but approaches the shore earlier.
Anchovy, Engraulis encrasicholus. Not at all uncommon towards
the latter part of summer and early in the autumn. Very large spe-
cimens are sometimes taken in the pilchard drift-nets. I have seen
one eight inches long, and many varying from five to seven and a half
inches. It approaches the shores somewhat earlier than the pilchard,
and continues in shallow water till October and November. Whether
they are sufficiently numerous to warrant the establishment of a
fishery remains to be discovered ; and the mesh of the drift-nets are
too large to determine the point. Some of the small " schulls " of
what the fishermen call sprats have proved to belong to the an-
chovy. They have been taken in March in Mevagissey Bay ; but
at present very little is known of their movements.
R. Q. Couch.
Penzance.
The Sea Serpent. — On the 15th of May, 1833, a party, consisting of Captain Sulli-
van, Lieutenants Maclachlan and Malcolm of the Rifle Brigade, Lieutenant Lysterof
the Artillery, and Mr. Ince of the Ordnance, started from Halifax in a small yacht
for Mahone Bay, some forty miles to the westward on a fishing excursion. The
morning was cloudy, and the wind at S.S.E. and apparently rising ; by the time we
reached Chebucto head, as we had taken no pilot with us, we deliberated whether we
should proceed or put back, but after a consultation we determined on the former, hav-
ing lots of ports on our lee. Previously to leaving town, an old man-of-war's-man we
had along with us busied himself in inquiries as to our right course : he was told to
take his departure from the Bull Rock off Pennant Point, and that a W.N.W. course
would bring us direct on Iron Bound Island at the entrance of Mahone or Mecklen-
burgh Bay ; he, however, unfortunately told us to steer W.S.W., nor corrected his er-
ror for five or six hours ; consequently we had gone a long distance off the coast. We
had run about half the distance, as we supposed, and were enjoying ourselves on deck
smoking our cigars, and getting our tackle ready for the approaching campaign against
the salmon, when we were surprised by the sight of an immense shoal of grampuses,
which appeared in an unusual state of excitement, and which, in their gambols ap-
proached so close to our little craft that some of the party amused themselves by firing
at them with rifles : at this time we were jogging on at about five miles an hour, and
must have been crossing Margaret's Bay : I merely conjecture where we were, as we
had not seen land since a short time after leaving Pennant Point. Our attention
Fishes. 1715
was presently diverted from the whales and " such small deer " by an exclamation
from Dowling, our man-of-war's-man , who was sitting to leeward, of, " Oh ! Sirs, look
here! " we were started into a ready compliance, and saw an object which banished
all other thoughts save wonder and surprise.
At the distance of from 150 to 200 yards on our starboard bow we saw the head
and neck of some denizen of the deep, precisely like those of a common snake, in the
act of swimming, the head so far elevated and thrown forward by the curve of the neck
as to enable us to see the water under and beyond it. The creature rapidly passed,
leaving a regular wake, from the commencement of which to the fore part, which was
out of water, we judged its length to be about eighty feet ; and this is within rather than
beyond the mark. We were of course all taken aback at the sight, and with staring
eyes and in speechless wonder stood gazing at it for full half a minute : there could be
no mistake, no delusion, and we were all perfectly satisfied that we had been favoured
with a view of the " true and veritable sea serpent," which had been generally con-
sidered to have existed only in the brain of some Yankee skipper, and treated as a
tale not much entitled to belief. Dowling's exclamation is worthy of record, " Well,
I've sailed in all parts of the world, and have seen rum sights too in my time, but this
is the queerest thing I ever see," — and surely Jack Dowling was right. It is most dif-
ficult to give correctly the dimensions of any object in the water. The head of the
creature we set down at about six feet in length, and that portion of the neck which
we saw, at the same ; the extreme length, as before stated, at between eighty and one
hundred feet. The neck in thickness equalled the bole of a moderate sized tree. The
head and neck of a dark brown or nearly black colour, streaked with white in irregular
streaks. I do not recollect seeing any part of the body.
Such is the rough account of the sea serpent, and all the party who saw it are still
in the land of the living, — Lyster in England, Malcolm in New South Wales with his
regiment, and the remainder still vegetating in Halifax.
W. Sullivan, Captain, Rifle Brigade, June 21s?, 1831.
A. Maclachlan, Lieutenant, Ditto, August 5th, 1824.
G. P. Malcolm, Ensign, Ditto, August ISth, 1830.
B. O'Neal Lyster, Lieutenant, Artillery, June 7th, 1816.
Henry Ince, Ordnance Store-keeper, at Halifax.
[The dates are those on which the gentlemen received their respective commissions.
I am not aware of their present rank. I am indebted to Mr. W. H. Ince for this in-
teresting communication : this gentleman received it from his brother, Commander
J. M. R. Ince, R.N. It is written by their uncle, Mr. Heniy Ince, the Ordnance
Store-keeper at Halifax, Nova Scotia. — Edward Newman].
The Sea Serpent.— Not long since the ' Boston Daily Advertiser ' announced a new
appearance of this marine monster, about whose existence the world is so naturally in-
credulous. A French captain has just related to us a remarkable circumstance, which
he has himself witnessed, and his recital exhibits a degree of cautious reserve, which is
well calculated to shake the obstinacy of the most sceptical. We shall preface his nar-
rative by the remark that the sea serpent has been recently alleged to have been seen
at different points along the whole line of the American coast. Captain D'Abnour,
commander of the Ville de Rochefort, makes the following statement : —
"On the 21st of April, 1840, while we were in 24 deg. 13 min. N. latitude, and
89 deg. 52 min. W. longitude (calculated from the meridian of Paris), in the gulf of
Mexico, we were running under a light breeze from E.N.E. with beautiful weather.
1716 Animals of Peru.
In a few hours we distinguished something like a long chain of rocks, falling off by a
gentle inclination at the two extremities, and elevated at the middle by only a few feet
over the level of the sea. Against this object the sea broke softly. As we approached,
we remarked that its different parts changed their position, and even their form, and
we became perfectly certain that it was not a reef. A little later, we distinguished by
the assistance of a telescope a long chain of enormous rings, resembling a number of
barrels linked together, and in form very like the back of a silk- worm. It was a three-
quarter view of the object which we had first obtained. As the ship approached, these
appearances became more distinct, and we presently saw the extremity of an enormous
tail, longitudinally divided into two sections, white and black. This tail appeared to
wind itself up, and repose on a part of the object itself. Then, at the other extremity,
we saw a membrane rising to the height of about two metres from the water, and in-
clining itself at a considerable angle upon the mass (without leaving it, however)'; and
this led me to conjecture that the monster before us was provided with an apparatus
for the purpose of respiration, like the lampreys. At last we perceived something like
an antenna rising from the water, to the great height of nearly eight metres, terminated
by a crescent of at least five metres from one extremity to the other. We could not
approach sufficiently near to acquire any very positive idea as to what we had seen ;
but everything led us to believe that it was an enormous serpent of at least 100
metres in length.'' — Journal du Havre, Sept. 15th, 1840.
Animal Life in the Peruvian Forests. — " Unlike the peaceful repose which presides
over animal life on the level heights, are the constant aggressions and combats which
prevail in the forest regions. There the strong attack the weak, and the cunning in-
veigle the unwary : strength and intelligence, caution and instinct, are unceasingly in
active operation. The variegated forms and colours which meet the eye, and the mul-
tifarious cries and tones which resound through the woods, form, altogether, the most
singular contrasts. The gold-feathered colibri hums lightly through the air, soaring
over the heavy, sombre-coloured tapir. The sprightly singing bird pours forth his
melodious chants amidst the thick foliage of the aged trees, whilst the fierce ounce,
prowling for his prey, growls as he passes over their enormous, spreading roots. Slowly
do the eye and the ear learn to distinguish individuals in the vast mass of ap-
parent chaotic confusion, and to recognise quickly fleeting forms, or distant resound-
ing sounds.
" The whole of the animal world is here developed to the view, and it would be dif-
ficult to assign the predominance to any one class. Yet, perhaps, the variegated fea-
thered tribe is relatively most extensively represented. The number of the Mamma-
lia is also important. They are seldom seen by the hunter during the day, but twi-
light draws them from their hiding-places.
" Troops of monkeys skip from tree to tree, looking timidly around, and uttering
mournful howls. Among them are swarms of the black marimonda (Ateles), with slen-
der long arms and red-brown or black faces ; in some the faces are encircled with
white hair (Ateles marginatus, Geoff.), which gives them a striking resemblance to an
old negro. Next is seen a group of silver-gray monkeys (Lagothrix JIumboldtii,
Geoff.), stalking over heaps of broken branches and twigs in search of a resting-place.
Animals of Peru. 1717
These monkeys, which are the largest in South America, are about three feet high, and
are bold and vicious. When wounded they take a position of defence against the
hunter, struggling, and uttering loud cries, upon which their companions hasten down
from the trees to assist them. But soon a short stifled cry is heard ; it is the cry of
mortal convulsion. That sound drives them instantly back, and they disperse in wild
flight. The sly sayu ventures to approach the dwellings of men, where he plunders
maize-fields with incredible dexterity. The delicate silky-haired monkey, shivering
at every cool breeze or shower of rain, and starting at the slightest noise, creeps for
shelter into the thicket, where he lies peeping with his penetrating eyes in the direction
of the apprehended danger.
■ At sunset swarms of bats flutter through field and forest in all directions, and
greedily devour the insects which in the twilight awaken to full activity. Some of
these bats (Phyllostoma hastatum, Geoff.) are remarkable for their expanse of wing,
which measures nearly two feet. Others are distinguished for ugliness, and for their
offensive smell. These latter fly into the Indian huts at night, and greatly annoy the
inhabitants, who cannot get rid of them by fire or smoke, or any other means, until at
the midnight hour they retire of their own accord. Not less troublesome are the leaf-
nosed bats (Phyllostoma), which attack both man and beast. This bat rubs up the
skin of his victim, from which he sucks the blood. The domestic animals suffer
greatly from the nocturnal attacks of these bats, and many are destroyed by the ex-
haustion consequent on the repeated blood-sucking. The blood drawn by the bat it-
self does not exceed a few ounces ; but if, when satisfied, it drops down to the ground,
or flies away, the wound continues to bleed for a long time, and in the morning the
animal is often found in a very weak condition, and covered with blood. One of my
mules, on which a leaf-nosed bat made a nightly attack, was only saved by having his
back rubbed with an ointment made of spirits of camphor, soap, and petroleum. The
blood-suckers have such an aversion to the smell of this ointment, that on its applica-
tion they ceased to approach the mule. These bats are very mischievous in the plan-
tations of the forests, where beasts of burthen and horned cattle are exposed to their
attacks. Whether they venture to assail man has been a much-disputed question.
Several travellers declare that they do not. I may, however, mention a case which oc-
curred within my own knowledge. A bat (Ph. erythromos, Tsch.) fastened on the nose
of an Indian lying intoxicated in a plantation, and sucked so much blood that it was
unable to fly away. The slight wound was followed by such severe inflammation and
swelling that the featuies of the cholo were not recognisable.
" Many beasts of prey, and among them some of formidable strength and fierce-
ness, make havoc among the other animals of the forests. In the more lofty moun-
tains the black bear (Ursus frugilegus, Tsch.) roams as wild as his fellow-depredator of
the Cordillera. He often enters the maize-fields of the Indians, breaks the stalks of
the plants, and drags the green tops away to his hole. When this bear cannot obtain
his customary vegetable food, consisting chiefly of the fruits of a pandanea, (Phytele-
phas), he watches for the deer and wild boars, or attacks the oxen employed to turn
the machinery in the sugar-mills ; he has even been known to assail solitary travellers.
The lively coatis traverse the forests in flocks. They collect round the roots of trees
and search for the larvae of insects ; light-footed, they climb up bush and tree to find
birds' nests, and feast on the eggs and the young. With a monotonous howl, not un-
like that made by some dogs on a clear moonlight night, the yellow-breasted glutton
(Galictis Barbara, Wieg.), the omeyro of the Indians, announces his presence. But
1718 Animals of Peru.
the most fierce of all these wild forest animals are those of the feline class. The spot-
less dark-gray yaguarundi, not much larger than the wild cat of Europe, pursues all
kinds of birds, particularly the pigeon, the partridge, and the penelope. The oscollo
(Felis celidogaster, Tem.), the uturunca (F. partialis, L.), and the long-tailed, yellow-
ish-gray tiger-cat (F. macroura, Pr. Max.), all lie in wait, not only for the weaker
Mammalia, but sometimes they even venture into the plantations and kill dogs and
poultry. The maneless Mexican lion (the puma), roams through the upper regions
of the forest, where he has almost undisputed hunting-ground. He fearlessly assails
victims who cannot effectually defend themselves, such as the horse, the mule, and the
ass, and he tears large pieces of flesh from their ribs ; but he does not venture to
meddle with oxen. He shuns men, and in the forest he even flies from the unarmed
Indian. I fired at a very large puma, which immediately fled, roaring loudly. When
severely wounded and driven into a corner, this animal frequently commences a com-
bat of despair, and sometimes kills the hunter. The puma measures in length about
four feet, and in height more than two feet. More direful than any of the felines
mentioned above is the sanguinary ounce,* which possesses vast strength, and is of a
most savage disposition. Though the favourite haunts of this animal are the expan-
sive pajonales, yet he frequently takes up his abode in the vicinity of villages and plan-
tations, spreading terror among the inhabitants. Far from being intimidated at the
sight of man, he often attacks individuals ; and when pressed by hunger is not afraid,
even in broad daylight, to slip into the forest villages in order to carry off food, and
the booty, when once seized, is not easily recovered.
" An amusing example of this occurred in the Montana of Vitoc. An Indian one
night heard his only pig squeaking loudly, as if in pain. He hastened to the door of
his hut to see what was the matter, and he discovered that an ounce had seized the
pig by the head, and was carrying it off. The cholo, who determined to make an ef-
fort to recover his property, seized the pig by the hind-legs, and endeavoured to drag
it from the grasp of the robber. This contest was kept up for some time, the ounce,
with his eyes glaring in the darkness , holding fast the head of the pig, and the Indian
pulling it hard by the legs. At length the Indian's wife came to the door of the hut
with a lighted faggot, and the scared ounce, with terrible howlings, slowly retired to
the forest. In general the Indians have a great dread of these animals, and seldom
venture singly into the parts they frequent. The ounce-hunter is the only one who
ventures to approach them. He is armed with a long spear, with which he gives the
ferocious animal a death-blow. He lets the ounce come within a few paces of him
without making the least show either of flight or attack. If, however, the stroke he
aims does not immediately reach the seat of life, the hunter, in general, becomes the
victim of his bold attempt. Before he can stand on his defence, the wounded ounce
drags him to the ground, and tears the flesh from his bones.
" Sometimes the villagers collect their dogs together for a general hunt. They
drive the ounce into a place from whence there is no escape, or often up a tree, where
they shoot him with long arrows sent from their bows or blow-tubes. In a few places
snares are laid, or large holes are dug, and a sharp-pointed stake is stuck in the middle,
covered with stalks and branches of trees, on which the bait is laid. The ounce is,
* The Indian name for this animal is chaque chinca. The black variety, yana
chinca, is called by the Spaniards tigre or yaguar.
Animals of Peru. 1719
however, too cunning to be easily caught in traps, and it is only when pressed by hun-
ger that he can be tempted by a bait. In some districts the ounces have increased so
greatly, and done so much damage, that the natives have been compelled to remove
and settle in other places. I need only refer to the quebrada of Mayumarca, in the
Montana of Huanta, near the road to Anca. There once stood the little village of
Mayumarca, which has been abandoned for more than a hundred years, as it was
found that the jaguars annually decimated the inhabitants: this quebrada is still in
such bad repute that not a single Indian will venture into it.
" There is a black variety of the ounce, by many erroneously regarded as a distinct
species. It has the identical marks of the common jaguar, or ounce, only its colour is
a dark, blackish-brown, whereby the whole of the black spots are rendered indistinct.
On the lower banks of the Ucayali and the Maranon this dark variety is more fre-
quently met with than in the higher forests ; in the Montanas of Huanta and Uru-
bamba it is also not uncommon. It is upon the whole larger, stronger, and more dar-
ing than the lighter kind, and I have actually seen many black skins which exceeded
the usual length ; but of specific distinctions there is no indication. The super-
stitious Indians assign extraordinary powers to everything that departs from the com-
mon course ; the black ounce is, accordingly, supposed to possess singular properties.
The yana chinca holds a prominent place in the religious ceremonies of some of the
Indian races.
" Turning from these fierce natives of the forests, we will now take a glimpse at
the peaceful inhabitants of those umbrageous regions. In the hollow stems of trees,
or among their canopied branches, are found the timid marsupial animals (Didelphis
impavida and noctivaga, Tsch.). These animals remain in obscure holes until the sun
sinks beneath the horizon, when they slip out in search of insects and fruit. Not un*
frequently they penetrate into the slightly guarded Indian huts, creeping into every
corner, until at last they are caught in traps baited with pieces of banana and pine-
apple. The lofty Terebinthaceae, with their walnut-like fruit, are inhabited by swarms
of squirrels, which strongly remind the European of his own woods. Numbers of the
mouse family, from the small tree-mouse (Drymomys parvulus, Tsch.) to the large,
loathsome, spinous rat (Echinomys leptosoma, Wagn.), swarm over all the montanas,
and love to approximate to the dwellings of man. These animals destroy the gathered
harvest, and even in these remote regions they become a plague. It is a striking fact,
that certain animals are almost inseparable from man. They keep with him, or follow
him wherever he settles. The mouse genus is one of these. On the coast mice are
not the same as on the mountains, and in the forests they are again different. Every-
where they leave their original dwelling places, which they exchange for an abode
with man. As the mouse and the rat attack the gathered fruits of the earth, the
agouti preys on those yet standing in the field. These animals are seldom found in
the depths of the forest, but more frequently on its edge, near the chacras of the
Indians. Shortly before sunset they leave the thickets, and stealthily repair to the
maize, yucca, and anana fields, where they scratch up the root and eat the grain and
fruit; but the slightest noise drives them back to their holes. In the deeper re-
cesses of the forest resounds the monotonous, drawling cry of the sloth. Here
we have a symbol of life under the utmost degree of listlessness, and of the greatest
insensibility, in a state of languid repose. This emblem of misery fixes itself on an
almost leafless bough and there remains defenceless, a ready prey to any assailant.
Better defended is the scale-covered armadillo, with his coat of mail. Towards
1720 Animals of Peru.
evening he burrows deep holes in the earth, and searches for the larvae of insects, or he
ventures out of the forest, and visits the yucca fields, where he digs up the well-fla-
voured roots. The ant-eater rakes up with his long curved claws the crowded resorts
of ants, stretches out his long, spiral, and adhesive tongue, into the midst of the
moving swarm, and draws it back covered with a multitude of crawling insects.
" In the soft marshy ground, or in the damp shady recesses of the forests, the heavy
tapir reposes during the heat of the day ; but when the fresh coolness of evening sets
in, he roves through the forest, tears the tender twigs from the bushes, or seeks food
in the grass-covered pajonales. Sometimes a multitude of tapirs sally from the forests
into the cultivated fields, to the great alarm of the Indians. A broad furrow marks
the tract along which they have passed, and the plants they encounter in their pro-
gress are trampled down or devoured. Such a visit is particularly fatal to the
coca fields ; for the tapirs are extremely fond of the leaves of the low-growing
coca-plant, and they often, in one night, destroy a coca-field which has cost a poor
Indian the hard labour of a year.
" Flocks of the umbilical hog, or peccary, traverse the level montanas. If one of
them is attacked by the hunter, the whole troop falls furiously on him, and it is only
promptly climbing up a tree that he can escape ; then/whizzing and grunting, they
surround the stem, and with their snouts turn up the earth round the root, as if intend-
ing to pull down the tree and so get at their enemy. The stag lurks in the thicket to
withdraw from the eyes of the greedy ounce ; but towards evening he leaves his hid-
ing-place, and sometimes strays beyond the boundary of the forest ; he ventures into
the maize-fields of the plantations, where he tarries until night is far advanced.
" The same diversity of nature and habits is seen in the numerous hosts of birds
that inhabit the leafy canopies of the forest. On the loftiest trees, or on detached
rocks, eagles, kites, and falcons, build their eyries. The most formidable of these
birds of prey, both for boldness and strength, the Morphnus harpyia, Cab., darts down
on the largest animals and fears not to encounter the fiercest inhabitant of the forest.
The owls (Noctua, Scops, Strix), and the goat-milkers (Caprimulgus, Hydropsalis,
Chordiles), fly with softly flapping wings to their hunting quarters, to surprise their vic-
tims whilst asleep. In the hilly parts of the montanas the black ox-bird (Cephalopterus
ornatus, Geoff.), the toropishu of the Indians, fills the forest with his distant bellow,
similar to the roaring of a bull. The tunqui* inhabits the same district. This bird
is of the size of a cock ; the body is bright red, but the wings are black. The head is
surmounted by a tuft of red feathers, beneath which the orange bill projects with a
slight curve. It lives sociably with other birds, in thickets, or among cinchona-trees,
the fruit of which is part of its food. Its harsh cry resembles the grunt of the hog,
and forms a striking contrast to its beautiful plumage. Numberless fly-catchers and
shrikes (Muscicapidce and Laniadce) hover on tree and bush, watching for the passing
* Rupicola peruviana, Ch. Dum. The colour of the female is reddish-brown, and
she is named by the natives tunqui mulato ; the male is called tunqui Colorado. In
some parts of the montanas the Cephalopterus ornatus is called yana tunqui. Thus
even the Indians have observed the relationship of these birds, which, classed accord-
ing to our system of Natural History, actually belong to one family, the Ampelidae.
Their affinity is indicated very correctly by the Indian name.
Animals of Peru. 1721
insects, which they snatch np with extraordinary dexterity. Finches twitter on the
summits of the loftiest trees, beyond the reach of the hunter's shot: they are dis-
tinguished, like the Ampelidae, who, however, live amongst the lower bushes, by the
lively and almost dazzling colours of their feathers. In modest plumage of cinnamon-
brown, with head and neck of dark olive, the organista* raises, in the most woody
parts of the forest, her enchanting song, which is usually the prognostic of an ap-
proaching storm. The tender, melancholy strains, and the singular clearness of the
innumerable modulations, charm the ear of the astonished traveller, who, as if arrested
by an invisible power, stops to listen to the syren, unmindful of the danger of the
threatening storm. On old decayed stumps of trees the busy creeper f and the varie-
gated woodpecker are seen pecking the insects from under the loose bark, or by their
tapping bring them out of their concealed crevices ; while the red-tailed potter-bird
(Opetiorynchus rujicaudus, Pr. Max.) builds his dwelling of potter's clay, or loam, as
firmly as if it were destined to last for ever. The pouched starlings^ hang their nests,
'often four or five feet long, on the slender branches of trees, where they swing to and
fro with the slightest breath of wind. Like a dazzling flash of coloured light the
colibri (humming-bird) appears and disappears. No combination of gorgeous colour-
ing can exceed that which is presented in the plumage of the golden-tailed humming
or fly-bird (Trochilus chrysurus, Cuv.) which haunts the warm primaeval forests, but it
is still more frequently found in the pure atmosphere of the ceja-girded montanas.
The silky cuckoo (Trogon heliothrix, Tsch.) retires into the thickest masses of foliage,
from which its soft rose-coloured plumage peeps out like a flower. The cry of the vo-
racious chuguimbis§ accompanies the traveller from his first steps in the montanas to
his entrance into the primaeval forests, where he finds their relative, Dios te de.\\ This
bird accompanies its significant cry by throwing back its head, and making a kind of
rocking movement of its body. The Indians, who are always disposed to connect su-
perstitious ideas with the natural objects they see around them, believe that some
great misfortune will befall any one who may shoot this bird, because it utters the sa-
cred word Dios. Long trains of green parrots fill the air with their noisy chattering.
One kind of these birds (Psittacus mercenarius, Tsch.) is remarkable for regular migra-
tions. Every morning they sally forth in flocks from the upper to the lower forests,
where they pass the day, and they regularly return before sunset to their roosting-
places. From year to year these parrots leave their night quarters daily at the same
* The organistas of Peru, Brazil, and Guiana, <Scc, mentioned by so many tra-
vellers, all belong to the family of the Troglodytince, to the two genera, Troglodytes,
Viell., and Cyphorhinus, Cab. The Peruvian organista above alluded to is the Tro-
glodytes leucophrys, Tosch. In Guiana it appears to be the Cyphorhinus carinatus,
Cab.
f Xenops, Anabates, Dendrocolaptes, and many other kinds of Capito and Picus.
X These are different kinds of Cassicus and Icterus.
§ Kinds of Pteroglossus Those most frequently met with in the montanas are
the Pt. atrogularis, Sturm.; Pt. caruleocinctus, Tsch. (Aulachorhynchus, Orb.); and
Pt. Derbianus, Gould.
|| Dios te de, signifies ' May God give it thee.' The sound which is interpreted, Dios
te de, resembles very much the cry of most of the toucans, or pepper- eaters.
1722 Animals of Peru.
hour, and return with equal punctuality before sunset. This regularity of departing
and returning has caused the natives to give them the name of jornaleros ' day-
labourers.' From the depth of the forest sounds often arise which resemble human
voices, and the astonished hunter then believes that he is in the vicinity of his com-
panions, or, perhaps, of hostile Indians. He eagerly listens, and it is only when well
acquainted with the sounds of the winged inhabitants of the woods tha,t he can recog-
nise the melancholy tones of the wood-pigeons (C. infuscata, Licht. , C. melancholica,
Tsch.). When day begins to depart, groups of the pheasant-like hachauallpa* as-
semble, and with the cry of ven aca,f ven acd, summon their distant companions.
" Not only are the trees of the forests peopled with myriads of birds, but the earth
has also its feathered inhabitants, who seldom soar above the level of the soil. They
build their nests among the roots and fallen branches, and depend for movement more
on their feet than on their wings. Among those members of the winged tribe who
show no disposition to soar into the regions of air, we find here the turcassa, a pigeon
with richly shaded plumage ; the beautifully speckled-tooth fowl (Odontophorus spe-
ciosus, Tsch.), and short-tailed grass-fowl or crake, X whose flesh when cooked is deli-
cately white and finely flavoured. In marshy places and on the slimy banks of rivers,
the jabiru (Mycteria americana, L.), loves to wade, together with the rose-coloured
spoonbill (Platalea ajaja, L.), the fish-devouring ibis (Tantalus loculator, L.), the
curved-billed snipe (Ryncho'ea Hilcerea, Val.), the parti-coloured cranes, plovers, land-
rails, shrites, and even sea-swallows. § In the rivers there are ducks: these birds are,
perhaps, carried down by the currents from the Andes, or, possibly, they fly in great
trains from the inner wraters of Brazil.
" Of the Amphibia in the principal forests of Peru, only the great fresh-water tor-
toise (Hydraspis expansa, Fitz.), is useful to the natives. On the sandy banks of ri-
vers this animal buries its eggs, from which the Indians extract oil : its flesh, also,
supplies well-flavoured food. All other animals of this class are objects of terror, or at
least of aversion, to the Indians. In the warm sand of the river-banks, lies the lazy
caiman.|| He keeps his jaws wide open, only closing them to swallow the innume-
rable flies which he catches on his tongue. To the helplessness of these animals when
on land, the natives have to be thankful that they are not the most dangerous scourges
of the forest : in water, their boldness and swiftness of motion are fearful. The num-
ber of lizards here is not great, nor do they attain so considerable a size as in the
other equatorial regions. The serpents are to be feared, and on approaching them it
is not easy to decide at the first view whether they belong to a poisonous or innoxious
species. In the forests, where the fallen leaves lie in thick, moist layers, the foot of
the hunter sinks deep at every step. Multitudes of venomous Amphibia are hatched
in the half-putrescent vegetable matter, and he who inadvertently steps on one of
these animals may consider himself uncommonly fortunate if he can effect his retreat
* Several kinds of Penelope.
f The cry of this bird closely resembles the Spanish words ven aca, ■ come
hither.'
| Seven species of Crypturus.
§ Sterna erythrorhynchos, Prince Max. St. magnirostris, Licht.
j| Champosa jissipes, sclerops and nigra, Wagl.
Animals of Peru. 1723
without being wounded. But it is not merely in these places, which seem assigned by
nature for their abode, that loathsome reptiles are found : they creep between the roots
of large trees, under the thickly interwoven brushwood, on the open grass plots, and in
the maize and sugar-cane fields of the Indians ; nay, they crawl even into their huts,
and most fortunate is it for the inhabitants of those districts that the number of the
venomous, compared with the innoxious reptiles, is comparatively small. Of the poi-
sonous serpents, only a few kinds are known whose bite is attended with very danger-
ous consequences. The miuamaru or jergon (Lachesis picta, Tsch.), is, at most, three
feet long, with a broad, heart-shaped head, and a thick upper lip. It haunts the
higher forests, while in those lower down his place is filled by his no less fearful
relative flammon (Lachesis rhombeata, Prince Max.), which is six or seven feet in
length. These serpents are usually seen coiled almost in a circle, the head thrust for-
ward, and the fierce, treacherous-looking eyes glaring around, watching for prey, upon
which they pounce with the swiftness of an arrow ; then, coiling themselves up again,
they look tranquilly on the death-struggle of the victim. It would appear that these
Amphibia have a perfect consciousness of the dreadful effect of their poisonous wea-
pon, for they use it when they are neither attacked nor threatened, and they wound not
merely animals fit for their food, but all that come within their reach. More formid-
able than the two snakes just described, but happily much less common, is the brown
ten-inch long viper.* It is brown, with two rows of black circular spots. The effect of
its bite is so rapid that it kills a strong man in two or three minutes. So convinced
are the natives of its inevitably fatal result, that they never seek any remedy ; but im-
mediately on receiving the wound lay themselves down to die. In the montanas of
Pangoa this viper abounds more than in any other district ; and never without appre-
hension do the cholos undertake their annual journey for the coca harvest, as they
fear to fall victims to the bite of this viper. The warning sound of the rattle-snake
is seldom heard in the hot montanas, and never in the higher regions.
" Nature, who in almost all things has established an equilibrium, supplies the na-
tives with remedies against the bite of the serpent. One of the cures most generally
resorted to is the root of the amarucachu (Polianthes tuberosa, L.), cut into slips and
laid upon the wound. Another is the juice of the creeping plant called vejuce de
huaco (Mikania huaco, Kth.), which is already very widely celebrated. This latter re-
medy was discovered by the negroes of the equatorial province, Choco. They remarked
that a sparrow-hawk, called the huaco, picked up snakes for his principal food, and
when bitten by one it flew to the vejuco and ate some of the leaves. At length the
Indians thought of making the experiment on themselves, and when bitten by serpents
they drank the expressed juice of the leaves of the vejuco, and constantly found that
the wound was thereby rendered harmless. The use of this excellent plant soon be-
came general ; and in some places the belief of the preservative power of the vej uco
juice was carried so far that men in good health were inoculated with it. In this pro-
cess some spoonfuls of the expressed fluid are drunk, and afterwards some drops are
put into incisions made in the hands, feet, and breast. The fluid is rubbed into the
wounds by fresh vejuco leaves. After this operation, according to the testimony of
persons worthy of credit, the bite of the poisonous snake fails for a long time to have
* Echidna ocellata, Tsch. This is the only species of the viper family belonging
to South America, as yet known.
1724 Animals of Peru.
any evil effect. Besides the two plants mentioned above, many others are used with
more or less favourable results. The inhabitants of the montana also resort to other
means, which are too absurd to be detailed here ; yet their medicines are often of be-
nefit, for their operation is violently reactive. They usually produce the effect of re-
peated emetics, and cause great perspiration. There is much difference in the modes
of external treatment of the wound, and burning is often employed. I saw an Indian
apply to his wife's foot, which had been bitten, a plaister, consisting of moist gun-
powder, pulverized sulphur, and finely-chopped tobacco, mixed up together. He laid
this over the wounded part and set fire to it. This application, in connexion with one
of the nausea-exciting remedies taken inwardly, had a successful result.
" Innoxious* snakes wind on tendriled climbing plants, or lie like necklaces of
coral on the brown decayed leaves (Elaps affinis, Fits.). Where the branches of ri-
vers enter the gloomy forests and form little narrow lagunes, over which the high trees
spread in vaulted cupolas, almost impervious to the light of day, there dwells the pow-
erful giant snake (Eunectes murinus, Wagl.), called by the Indians, in their figurative
language, yacumamam, ' mother of the waters.' Stretched in listless repose, or wind-
ing round the stem of an old tree bathing her tail in the cool lagune, she watches
wistfully for the animals of the forest who come to the waters to quench their thirst.
Whilst she gazes at her distant prey, the fascinating power of her eyes seems to
subdue the trembling victim, and, unable even to attempt escape, he falls an easy
sacrifice.
" The Amphibia of the frog species, which lie concealed in silent repose during the
day, raise, after sunset, their far-sounding voices. The violet coloured throat-bladder
(Cystignathus sylvestris, Tsch.) maintains his loud, uniform croak beneath the bushes,
or penetrates into the huts of the inhabitants. The trapichero, or 'sugar-mill frog,' is a
large species, almost half a foot in length. Its croak resembles very much the grating
sound caused by the working of a sugar-mill, for which reason the natives have given
it the name of trapichero, or the • sugar-miller.' The croaking of these frogs, whose
manifold tones blend together in confused union, augments not a little the distressing
dreariness of a forest night.
" Of the numerous species of insects which swarm in these regions, few are re-
markable for beauty ; but many fix attention by their peculiar habits. The bites and
stings of numbers of them are very dangerous, and it requires much caution to guard
against their attacks.
" Variegated butterflies flutter noiselessly among the spreading branches of the
trees, or sun themselves on the warm masses of fallen leaves. The most remarkable of
these butterflies is the large Atlas, whose brilliant blue tints shine out with lustrous
radiance in the dim light of the forest. Along the banks of rivers, and especially in
hot marshy pots, small musquitoes swarm. The bite of this animal produces an in-
tolerable burning sensation, and often causes considerable inflammation. But more
troublesome and also much more numerous, are the sancudos, or 'stinging-flies.' On
my first arrival in the montana, I lay several days exceedingly ill, in consequence of
severe swelling of the head and limbs, caused by the bites of these insects. To the
* Sphenocephalus melanogenys, Tsch.; Lygophis regince, Wagl. ; L. tceniurus, Tsch.
L. elegans, Tsch.
Animals of Peru. 1725
inhabitants of the Jbrest the sancudos are an incessant torment. In no season of the
year, in no hour of the day or night, is there any respite from their attacks. Rubbing
the body with unctuous substances, together with the caustic juices of certain plants,
and at night enclosing one's self in a tent made oitucuyo, or 'cotton cloth,' or palm-tree
bast, are the only means of protection against their painful stings. The clothes com-
monly worn are not sufficient, for they are perforated by the long sting of the larger
species, particularly of the much-dreaded huir-pasimi-sancudo, or ' lip-gnat.' Regularly
every evening at twilight fresh swarms of these mischievous insects make their ap-
pearance.
" The ticks (Ixodes) are a class of insects destined by nature for the suction of
plants ; but they often forsake trees, shrubs, and grasses, to fasten on man and other
animals. With their long sharp stings they make punctures, in which they insert
their heads, and thereby occasion very painful sores. These insects appear to have no
preference for any particular class of animals. They are often found on the hair of
dead Mammalia, and among the feathers of birds which have been shot ; even the
toad, the frog, and the scaly lizard, are not spared by them. Much more troublesome
than these insects are the antanas, which are not visible to the naked eye. They pe-
netrate the surface of the skin, and introduce themselves beneath it, where they propa-
gate with incredible rapidity ; and when some thousands of them are collected
together, a blackish spot appears, which quickly spreads. If these insects are not de-
stroyed when they first introduce themselves into the punctures, they multiply with
incalculable rapidity, destroying the skin, and all the tender parts in contact with it.
Washing with brandy, which is often found to be a remedy against the less mischiev-
ous isancos, is not sufficient for the removal of the antanas. For their extirpation the
only effectual remedy is frequently bathing the part affected with a mixture of spirits
of wine and corrosive sublimate.
" Who can describe the countless myriads of ants which swarm through the forests?
Every shrub is full of creeping life, and the decayed vegetation affords harbour for
some peculiar kinds of these insects. The large yellow puca (jiej is seen in multitudes
in the open air, and it even penetrates into the dwellings. This insect does not bite,
but its crawling creates great irritation to the skin. The small black yana gicj, on the
contrary, inflicts most painful punctures. A very mischievous species of stinging ant
is the black sunchiron. This insect inflicts a puncture with a long sting, which he
carries in the rear of his body. The wound is exceedingly painful, and is sometimes
attended by dangerous consequences. My travelling companion, C. Klee, being stung
by one of these ants, suffered such severe pain and fever that he was for a short while
delirious. A few nights afterwards, a similar attack was made on myself during sleep.
It suddenly awoke me, and caused me to start up with a convulsive spring. I must
confess that I never, in my whole life, experienced such severe pain as I did at that
moment.
" A most remarkable phenomenon is exhibited by the swarms of the species called
the naui-huacan-gip* ' the great wandering ant.' They appear suddenly in trains of
countless myriads, and proceed forward in a straight direction, without stopping. The
small, the weak, and the neuters are placed in the centre, while the large and the
* From naui, ' the eye,' huacay, ' to cry,' and gigi, ' the ant;' — so called by the
Indians, because the pain of its numerous stings brings tears into the eyes.
V Y
1726 Animals of Peru.
strong flank the army, and look out for prey. These swarms, called by the natives
chacus, sometimes enter a hut and clear it of all insects, Amphibia, and other dis-
agreeable guests. This work being accomplished, they again form themselves into a
long train, and move onwards. The united force of these small creatures is vast, and
there is no approach to the fabulous, when it is related that not only snakes, but also
large Mammalia, such as agoutis, armadillos, &c, on being surprised by them are
soon killed. On the light dry parts of the higher montanas we find the large conical
dwellings of the Termes so firmly built, that they are impenetrable even to rifle-shot.
They sometimes stand singly, sometimes together, in long lines. In form they
strongly resemble the simple, conical Puna hats.
" Before leaving the animal kingdom of these forest regions, which I have here
sketched only briefly and fragmentally, I must notice two insects, the cucaracha and
the chilicabra, species of the cockroach (Blatta.). They are exceedingly numerous
and troublesome. The cucaracha, which more particularly infests the deep regions of
the forest, is an inch and a half long, and above half an inch broad ; it is reddish-
brown, with a yellow neck. The chilicabra, though smaller, is more mischievous, by
reason of its greater numbers. They settle in the huts, where they destroy provisions,
gnaw clothes, get into beds, and into the dishes at meal-time. These insects defy
every precaution that can be taken against their tormenting attacks. Luckily, nature
has provided enemies for their destruction. Among these is a small reddish-yellow
ant, called by the Indians the pucchu-gigi, a useful member of the ant family, for it
pursues and destroys the mischievous cockroaches. There is also a very elegant little
bird, called the cucarachero (Troglodytes audax, Tsch.), which wages war against these
insects. On seizing one of them it first bites off the head, then devours the body, and
throws away the tough wings. These operations being completed, it hops to the near-
est bush, and tunes its melodious song, the sounds of which closely resemble the words
Acabe la tarea ! a name which the Indians give to this bird.* I could yet fill many
pages with descriptions of insects which are dangerous or troublesome, and among
them are included the jalus, measuring six inches in length, the large black and red
scorpion, not forgetting the numerous poisonous wasps and the cicadas. However,
those which have been noticed will suffice to afford an idea of the ever-active move-
ments of animal life in the forests.
" Guano, (or according to the more correct orthography, huanu,f) is found on the
islands in enormous layers of from thirty-five to forty feet thick. The upper strata
are of a grayish-brown colour, which lower down becomes darker. In the lower strata
the colour is a rusty red, as if tinged by oxide of iron. The guano becomes progres-
* Acabe la tarea, may be translated ■ My task is finished.' But the Indians
are not very consistent in their interpretations of the song of the cucarachero ; for in
some districts, they contend that it repeats the words, Casa te, soltera, — ' Go and
get married, maiden.'
f The original word is huanu, which is a term in the Quichua dialect meaning
1 animal dung ; ' for example, huanacuhuana, ' excrement of the huanacu.' As the
word is now generally used, it is an abbreviation of pishu huana, ' bird dung.' The
Spaniards have converted the final syllable nu into no, as they do in all the words
adopted from the Quichua which have the like termination. The European ortho-
Animals of Peru. 1727
sively more and more solid from the surface downward, a circumstance naturally ac-
counted for by the gradual deposit of the strata, and the evaporation of the fluid par-
ticles. Guano is found on all the islands, and on most of the uninhabited promonto-
ries of the west coast of South America, especially in those parts within the tropics. I
have often been assured that beds of guano several feet high, covered with earth, are
found inland at some distance from the sea ; but I never met with any, and I have
some doubt of the correctness of the statement. If, however, these inland strata really
exist, I am inclined to believe that they can only be found on hilly ground ; and in
that case they afford strong evidence of a considerable elevation of the coast.
" Guano is formed of the excrements of different kinds of marine birds, as mews,
divers, sheerbeaks, &c. ; but the species which I can name with more precision are the
following, — Larus modestus, (Tsch.), Rhincops nigra, (Linn.), Plotus anhinga, (Linn.),
Pelecanus thayus, (Mol.), Phalacrocorax Gaimardii and albigula, (Tsch.), (Pelecanus
Gaimardii, Less., Carbo albigula, Brandt), and chiefly the Sula variegata, (Tsch.)
" The immense flocks of these birds as they fly along the coast appear like clouds.
When their vast numbers, their extraordinary voracity, and the facility with which
they procure their food, are considered, one cannot be surprised at the magnitude of
the beds of guano, which have resulted from uninterrupted accumulations during many
thousands of years. I kept for some days a living Sula variegata, which I fed abun-
dantly with fish. The average weight of the excrement daily was from three and a
half to five ounces. I have no doubt that when the bird is in a state of freedom the
weight must be much greater, for these birds are constantly plunging into the sea, in
order to devour the fishes which they find in extraordinary masses around all the
islands. When an island is inhabited by millions of sea-birds, though two-thirds of
the guano should be lost while flying, still a veiy considerable stratum would be accu-
mulated in the course of a year.
" The marine birds nestle on the uninhabited islands, or on rocks near the shore ;
but they never settle on the flat beach, or any place distant from it inland. On this
fact I ground my conjecture that those beds of guano in the interior, which may have
been removed from the shore by important elevations of the coast, are to be found only
on hills.
" During the first year of the deposit the strata are white, and the guano is then
called guano bianco. In the opinion of the Peruvian cultivators, this is the most
efficacious kind. It is found in the Punta de Hormillos, on the islands of Islay,
Jesus, Margarita, &c.
" As soon as the dealers in guano begin to work one of the beds, the island on
which it is formed is abandoned by the birds. It has also been remarked, that since
the increase of trade and navigation, they have withdrawn from the islands in the
neighbourhood of the ports.
" Much has recently been written on the employment and utility of guano ; but
the manner in which it is applied as manure in Peru seems to be but little known.
graphy guano, which is also followed in Spanish America, is quite erroneous, for the
Quichua language is deficient in the letter G, as it is in several other consonants. The
H, in the commencement of the word, is strongly aspirated, whence the error in the
orthography of the Spaniards, who have sadly corrupted the language of the Autoch-
thones of Peru.
1 728 Insects.
The Peruvians use it chiefly in the cultivation of maize and potatoes. A few weeks
after the seeds begin to shoot, a little hollow is dug round each root, and is filled up
with guano, which is afterwards covered with a layer of earth. After the lapse of
twelve or fifteen hours the whole field is laid under water, and is left in that state for
some hours. Of the guano bianco a less quantity suffices, and the field must be more
speedily and abundantly watered, otherwise the roots would be destroyed. The effect
of this manure is incredibly rapid. In a few days the growth of a plant is doubled.
If the manure be repeated a second time, but in smaller quantity, a rich harvest is cer-
tain. At least, the produce will be threefold that which would have been obtained
from the unmanured soil.
" The haciendas of the valley of Chancay have, during the last fifty years, con-
sumed annually from 33,000 to 36,000 bushels of guano brought from the islands of
Chancha and Pisco. The price of the bushel of coloured guano is one dollar and a
quarter, and the price of the white from two to three dollars. The price has recently
undergone many fluctuations, in consequence of the great exports to Europe.
" The employment of this kind of manure is very ancient in Peru ; and there is
authentic evidence of its having been used in the time of the Incas. The white gu-
ano was then chiefly found on the islands opposite to Chincha ; so that for upwards
of six hundred years the deposit has been progressively removed from those islands
without any apparent decrease of the accumulation. The uniformity of climate on a
coast where there is not much rain must contribute to render the Peruvian guano a
more arid manure than the African, as fewer of the saline particles of the former being
in solution, they are consequently less subject to evaporation." — TschudVs Travels in
Peru.
Remarks on the Introduction of Exotic Insects into Collections professedly British. —
I had no desire to reply to the remarks of my friend Mr. Stephens, published in
the February number (Zool. 1615) respecting certain species of Lepidoptera in-
troduced into Catalogues of British Insects, the indigenous origin of which is ques-
tioned by many entomologists ; but having received letters from several friends ex-
pressing a wish that 1 should do so, I will pen a few remarks upon the subject. I be-
lieve, with Mr. Stephens, that there is a " growing disposition " to strike out of our lists
the number of foreign and imaginary species with which they have so long been encum-
bered, and I am willing to bear all the blame of having been one of the first to endea-
vour to arrive at the truth ; and having no published opinions to defend, I think I can
take an unprejudiced view of the subject. I cannot believe that any entomologists
have wished to strike out species from our indigenous list, solely from the hope of more
speedily completing a collection, by diminishing the number of desiderata ; I am more
inclined to suppose that there is an increased desire to examine for themselves, and not
blindly to follow their predecessors without once inquiring whether they were right or
wrong.
Fully aware of the irregular appearance of many insects, I must still doubt the
British origin of some species contained in the older cabinets. I will take Mr. Plas-
tead's as an example. This collection contained Colias Philodice, a well-known
North American insect, which has never been captured in Britain or any part of Eu-
rope ; Hipparchia Hero and Arcanius, said to have been taken in Ashdown Forest;
Insects. 1729
Agrotis Monostigma, (Curt.), apparently a tropical species; Acontia Caloris, a native
of the South of Italy, Acontia Cataena, (Curt.), in all probability not even an European
insect ; Psodos Equestraria from Ashdown forest ! — than which a more improbable
locality could scarcely have been fixed upon — the insects inhabiting the Alps, and
the larvae, according to the Swiss entomologists, feeding upon Azaleas and Rhododen-
drons. It is very singular that so many species should have come into the possession
of one collector, not one of which has ever been met with in Britain by any other
person ; and I must express my firm belief that every one of them is foreign I will
now make a few remarks upon species contained in other cabinets.
Agrotis subgothica. Haworth's insect is evidently simply a variety of either
Agrotis tritici or aquilina. The species described and figured in the ' Illustrations,'
page 126, plate 22, figure 3, is American. I have traced all the specimens which
I have seen of this species in collections of British Lepidoptera to one source, and
I believe the gentleman who distributed them, inadvertently mixed a number of North
American insects with his British ones. I received from him as British a Bombyx
which my brother took in Florida ; and Mr. Benjamin Standish possesses two Bom-
byces, one of them a Cerura, the other perhaps a Notodonta, from the same entomo-
logist, which were sent to him as British, whereas both are well-known North Ameri-
can insects.
Xylo-phasia hirticornis, Steph., page 177. This species was in the cabinet of the
late Mr. Hatchett, now in the possession of my friend, Mr. Thomas Ingall ; it is a
native of Florida, where it was captured by my brother.
Hadena arnica P Steph., page 180. The specimens of this species contained in
the old cabinets were most probably American ; it is one of the commonest of the
Noctuae in the United States. Having a high northern range, it may be common to
both continents, and the Luperina Arctica of Boisduval is closely allied, if not identi-
cal. L. arnica is a very different insect.
Erastria minuta, Steph., page 118. This is not the minuta of Hubner, but a com-
mon North American species, which has never been found in Europe ; it, however,
existed in several of the old collections.
Ophiusa crassiuscula. This is another American insect. The specimen alluded
to as having been taken in the north of England was obtained by Mr. Weaver from
some person who knew nothing of its history, and Mr. Weaver assured me that he
never stated it to be a British specimen.
Catephia leucomelas, Steph., page 128. The specimen alluded to as having been
in Francillon's cabinet is a North American insect, and bears but a very slight re-
semblance to the true leucomelas, (Linn.) The description of Mr. Stephens appears,
however, to apply to the European species, and not to the specimen formerly in
Francillon's cabinet, and now in that of Mr. Bentley.
Lozotcenia biustulana, Steph. A native of North America.
Lozotcenia Schreberiana, Steph. This species bears no resemblance to the Tortrix
Schreberiana, (Linn.), except in having a white costal spot : it is Sericoris trileucana,
(Gm.), a common American species.
Crambus tentaculellus, Steph. The specimen in Mr. Bentley's cabinet, the only
one known in Britain, appears to be the American Crambus intervibrellus ; at any
rate it is not tentaculellus, which is a very large species, totally dissimilar to Mr.
Bentley's insect.
I could extend this list much further, but the above will suffice to show that great
1730 Insects.
doubt does attach to the indigenous origin of many species contained in the older
cabinets ; some were probably introduced by mistake, others as representatives of rare
British species, and others imposed upon entomologists by unprincipled dealers.
I have not alluded to those insects which have certainly occurred in Britain in a
living state, but which were undoubtedly introduced either in the egg, larva, or pupa.
To this class belong Sphinx Carolina, quinquemaculatus, &c. The admission of
these into our catalogues must always remain mere matter of opinion.
Papiliones. In Wood's Index, eighty-two species are given as British : of these,
sixty-five are undoubtedly so ; of the remaining seventeen, ten are mere varieties of
other species, and seven doubtful natives. The names of five continental species are
erroneously applied to varieties of British ones.
Sphingides. Thirty-six species are enumerated, of which three are doubtful.
Bombyces. One hundred and nine species are given as British: of these fifteen ap-
pear to be mere varieties, and five or six to be doubtful natives.
Noctuce. Three hundred and thirty-nine species are enumerated : about sixty of
these are mere varieties, and from twenty to twenty-five probably foreigners j about
thirty names of genuine continental species are erroneously applied.
Geometree. Three hundred and one species are figured ; of which, fifty or more are
either varieties or doubtful natives.
Tortrices. Three hundred and twenty species are given as British : of these, up-
wards of a hundred are mere varieties, and five or six are not British.
I think I have now proved that a necessity really, did exist for examining our
catalogues; and I now take leave of the subject, hoping one day to see a Catalogue
of British Insects a little more correct than any yet published. — Henry Doubleday ;
Epping, April 6th, 1847.
Reasons for Expunging Melitcea Dia and Erebia Melampus from a Catalogue of
British Lepidoptera. — As Mr. Weaver has found fault (Zool. 1657) with us for
" expunging " Melitaea Dia and Erebia Melampus from our Catalogue of British Le-
pidoptera, I think it necessary to explain briefly why the catalogue was originally
printed, and also our motives for leaving out the butterflies in question. The first
edition was printed by private subscription, not with the view of being sent into the
world as an authority, either as to the value of species or as to nomenclature, but
simply as a matter of convenience to the subscribers. Its extreme usefulness, for the
purpose of transmitting marked lists of desiderata, duplicates, &c, through the medium
of the post-office, soon became apparent, and as such a number of copies only had
been printed as would supply the original subscribers, we were requested to issue a
second edition, which we did ; this time at our own risk. Although, as I have before
stated, the catalogue was never meant to be considered any authority, we wished to
make this edition as perfect as possible ; and being at the time in correspondence with
Mr. Doubleday, I marked all the names in the first-published list that I thought
doubtful, and requested his opinion as to which should go out ; he kindly gave his
opinion, and Dia, Melampus, &c. were accordingly " expunged." I may mention that
previously Mr. Doubleday had frequently communicated to me errors of nomenclature,
&c, that he had detected, but of course to have made use of information so kindly
given, when I knew him at the same time to be preparing a catalogue, would have
been unhandsome in the extreme ; consequently the names in common use were left
undisturbed. As to the Loch Rannoch butterfly, there is now no doubt it is not the
Melampus of Boisduval, and, as it is thought to be only a local variety of Cassiope, it
Insects. 1731
certainly cannot be admitted into the British list until Mr. Weaver, or some one, satis-
factorily proves it to be distinct by breeding. Of Dia, I have understood the box, in
which one at least of Mr. Weaver's two specimens was found, had been for som e time
out of his possession, and as he had believed it to contain only M. Euphrosyne, a larger
species and very distinct, there seems to be some doubt whether Dia was actually his
own capture, or had been introduced amongst his specimens by s"ome one else without
his knowledge. Among other names which do not appear in the second edition, I have
myself proved Lophoderus subfascianus to be only the extreme variety of ministranus,
both by finding the two in copula, and by taking, last summer, a series exhibiting every
intermediate variety, which series is now in the possession of Mr. Doubleday. — J. R.
Hawley ; Hall Gate, Doncaster, March 20th, 1847.
Remarks on the New Species of Lasiocampa. — In the March number of the
* Zoologist ' (Zool. 1655) there are some observations from Mr. Weaver, endeavouring
to prove a new species of Lasiocampa : this has called to my mind the circumstance
of my capturing several larvae of L. Quercus near the fens of Huntingdonshire, twelve
years ago. I then observed a difference among the larvae ; on my return to town,
I happened to see Mr. Benjamin Standish, and related the circumstance to him : he
stated that he had taken some of them at the same spot two years previously, and was
certain they were another species, as they differed not only in the larva, but also in the
cocoon and perfect insect, and that he communicated the circumstance to some of the
leading entomologists of the day, but they paid little attention to his communica-
tion. A few days after this, my specimens formed their cocoons, which differed in
colour from those of the common species : in about fourteen days they made their ap-
pearance in the perfect state, the females of a much darker colour than those of the
common species; but the difference is more particularly discernible in the male, which
has a white spot on the shoulder, with the dark border of the under wing broken by
some yellow dashes passing through it, which I never observed in the common spe-
cies : there being no ' Zoologist ' at that time in which to record our observations,
they were forgotten, until Mr. Weaver awakened them again in my memory. How-
ever, the colour of insects is little to be depended on in the discrimination of spe-
cies, since some of the most common insects in the North are of a most beautiful deep
and dark colour, totally different from that of the same species taken near London,
even so different as to be supposed new species : this deep colour is given them by the
quantity of iron in the soil, which is taken up by the vegetation on which they feed.
But this could have had no effect on the larvae which I captured in Huntingdonshire,
as I found both species in one locality. I will now mention another circumstance
which I think tends further to prove the new species distinct. In July, of the same
year, I bred a female, and on the next day going to Coomb wood, I took this female
with me for the purpose of attracting some males, a practice well known to some en-
tomologists ; but although I had the time of day, the weather, and the situation, all
favourable to my purpose, not one male came to visit his lady-love. This circum-
stance I did not then understand, knowing I was on the spot where this species
abounds : when about leaving the wood, a male came flying about me, which I cap-
tured. " Oh ! " I exclaimed, " one at last ! " But what was my surprise to find it
one of the new species. I then examined my female, and found that in my hurry, I
had one of the new instead of the common species, of which I had been breeding seve-
ral the week before. Mr. Weaver states that they remain in the chrysalis state
through the winter ; I have several of the common species now in that state ; and he
1 732 Insects.
also states that they came out of the egg in July, and that he captured the larvae and
the perfect insect in the same month ; this may be the fact, as I have taken the com-
mon species in all its states at one time. I merely mention the circumstance in order
to show that there is no rule to be absolutely depended on in the definition of a species
so variable in its changes. — H. J. Harding ; 1 , York Street, Church Street, Shore-
ditch, April 10th, 1847.
[May I inquire whether both my correspondents are writing of the same insect ?
If so, whether it is not the Lasiocampa roboris of entomologists ? And finally, whether
Mr. Marshall and other competent observers have not bred the two varieties from the
eggs of the same female parent? — E. Newman].
Description of British Bees belonging to the Genus Andrena of
Fabricius. By Frederick Smith, Esq.
(Continued from page 1670).
Sp. 9. Andrena fulvago, St. Fargeau.
Apis fulvago, Christi. Melitt a fulvago, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 4 J lines). Black ; the antennae nigro-piceous
beneath ; the clypeus coarsely punctate ; the face has a fulvous pu-
bescence as well as the thorax, sparing on the disk ; the tegulae pi-
ceous ; the wings subhyaline, slightly clouded at their margins ; the
legs dark rufo-piceous ; the posterior tibiae and all the tarsi rufous,
clothed with a fulvous pubescence, the floccus pale fulvous, the
scopa fulvous. Abdomen subovate, shining, and punctate, the apical
fimbria fulvous ; beneath, the apical segments have a marginal cilia of
fulvous hair.
Male. — (Length 4 lines). Black ; the head and thorax have a dark
fulvous pubescence ; the antennae nigro-piceous beneath ; the wings
as in the female ; the posterior tibiae, and the intermediate and pos-
terior tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen oblong-ovate, punctured ; the
three apical segments have a slight fringe of pale fulvous hair on their
margins, both above and beneath.
This species appears in June, it is local but not rare ; Mr. Kirby
did not know the male. Hampstead, Darent, Weybridge, Hawley,
Hants.
Sp. 10. Andrena fulvescens.
Meliiia fulvescens, Kirby, MSS.
Female. — (Length 5 lines). Black ; the antennae nigro-piceous ;
the mandibles ferruginous at the tips ; the face clothed with fulvous
Insects. 1 733
pubescence, the clypeus thinly so. Thorax fulvo-pubescent, thinly so
on the disk ; the tegulae riifo-piceous ; the wings hyaline ; the ner-
vures testaceous ; the floccus, scopa, and all the pubescence on the
legs is fulvous ; the claws ferruginous. Abdomen ovate ; the anal
fimbria bright fulvous ; beneath, the segments are fringed with hair
of the same colour.
Male. — (Length 44 — 5 lines). Black; the pubescence is of a
brownish-yellow; the clypeus pale yellow, with two minute black
spots, clothed with a white pubescence, as well as the mandibles and
cheeks. Thorax, the tegulae and wings as in the female ; the coxae
and femora beneath have a white pubescence. Abdomen, the five
apical segments have a thin brownish-yellow pubescence, and the
apical segment beneath fulvous.
This species is very local near London, Hampstead Heath being
the only locality I know of; in Hampshire it is not uncommon, I have
there met with it in utter profusion ; it appears about the beginning
of June. The males soon change colour, the pubescence becoming
entirely gray.
Sp. 11. Andrena polita, Smith.
Female. — (Length 5j lines). Black ; the face thinly clothed with
fulvous hair ; the antennae rufo-piceous beneath. Thorax clothed
with fulvous above, rather paler on the sides and beneath ; the tegu-
lae ferruginous ; the wings subhyaline, their apical margins clouded ;
the pubescence on the legs, the floccus and scopa fulvous ; the apical
joints of the tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen shining, oblong-ovate, rather
depressed, punctate, the margins of the segments, except that of the
basal, piceous ; the second and third segments have a narrow lateral
fringe, the fourth a continuous one of fulvous hair, the anal fimbria
bright fulvous ; beneath, the segments laterally are fringed with ful-
vous hair.
Male. — (Length 5 lines). Black, resembling the female ; its pubes-
cence more inclining to ochre ; the pubescence on the clypeus white,
as it is also on the cheeks; on the coxae and femora beneath it is very
pale yellow ; the wings are subfuscous, clouded at their margins ; the
apical joints of the tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen oblong-ovate, punc-
tate, the margins of the segments slightly piceous ; the apex clothed
with a pale yellow pubescence.
This species I have only once met with, at Gravesend in the chalk-
V z
1734 Insects.
pits. Mr. Desvignes has a specimen or two of the female ; it appears
in July, and is I expect a very local insect.
Sp. 12. Andrena albicans, St. Fargeau.
Apis albicans, Mull. Melitta albicans, Kirby. Apis hcemor-
rhoidalis, Christi.
Female. — (Length 5 lines). Black ; the face clothed with white
hair, thinly so on the clypeus. Thorax clothed above with fer-
ruginous, the sides and beneath with a pallid pubescence ; the
tegulae rufous ; the wings hyaline, their apical margins slightly
clouded ; the posterior tibiae and tarsi fulvous, the claws ferruginous,
the floccus pallid ; the scopa pale fulvous. Abdomen ovate, punctate,
shining, the extreme lateral margins have a thin white pubescence,
the second, third, and fourth segments have a transverse slight eleva-
tion ; the anal fimbria ferruginous.
Male. — (Length 4 — 4j lines). Black, the pubescence fulvous ; the
antennae nearly as long as the head and thorax ; the tegulae rufous ;
the wings as in the female ; all the tarsi and the posterior tibiae ful-
vous, the latter with a black stain beneath ; the abdomen punctate,
the margins of the segments beneath piceous.
This species appears in April, and is one of the most abundant of
the genus, and found everywhere.
Sp. 13. Andrena atra.
Andrena pilipes, Fab. — St. Fargeau. Apis atra, Schrank. Melitta
pilipes, Kirby. Andrena aterrima, Panzer,
Female. — (Length 6 — 7-£ lines). Black ; the face clothed with
black pubescence ; the clypeus naked and roughly punctured ; the
antennae nigro-piceous beneath. Thorax coarsely punctured; the
tegulae nigro-piceous ; the wings subfuscous, with a dark cloud on
their apical margins ; the floccus is of a sooty black ; the scopa
white. Abdomen oblong-ovate, punctate, shining ; the anal fimbria
sooty black.
Male. — (Length 5 — 6 lines). Black ; closely resembling the fe-
male ; the pubescence on the thorax, however, inclines to griseous ; a
few hairs of that colour on the basal segment of the abdomen, which is
ovate-lanceolate, shining and punctate ; the pubescence on the legs
black ; the claws ferruginous. Kirby's M. pratensis is a variety of
this male.
Insects. 1735
This species varies in respect to the colouring of the wings, which
are sometimes only slightly coloured, although generally dark, as de-
scribed : it is a local species, but I have taken it plentifully in June,
near Darenth Wood, Kent. 1 have not met with it in any other
county. I found it burrowing in a perpendicular sand-bank : they
are very partial to thistle-heads, from which they collect pollen.
Sp. 14. Andrena cineraria, Fab. — St. Fargeau.
Apis cineraria, Linn. Apis atra, Scop. Melitta cineraria, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 — 7 lines). Black; the face clothed with
white pubescence ; the pubescence on the thorax is white, with a
broad black band between the wings, which are hyaline, having
a dark cloud at their margins ; the anterior femora have a fringe of
long white hair beneath ; the tarsi are fuscous beneath ; the claws
ferruginous ; the floccus sooty black ; the scopa black. Abdomen
blue-black, smooth and shining ; the anal fimbria nigrescent.
Male. — (Length 5 — 6 lines). Black ; the face clothed with white
pubescence ; the antennae nearly as long as the head and thorax, the
latter clothed with white hair, slightly stained on the disk ; the wings
hyaline, slightly clouded at their margins ; all the femora have a
fringe of white hair beneath. Abdomen blue-black, lanceolate ; the
two basal segments thinly clothed with white pubescence.
This pretty bee appears in May ; it is very abundant about London,
particularly in Hyde Park, where it constructs its burrows in the
hard trodden pathways.
Sp. 15. Andrena thoracica, Fab. — St. Fargeau.
Apis thoracica, Linn. Melitta thoracica, Kirby. Andrena bicolor,
Fab., male.
Female. — (Length 6 — 1\ lines). Black; the antennae slightly
nigro-piceous beneath. Thorax clothed above with rufo-ferruginous
hair ; the wings fuscous, with a dark marginal cloud ; the legs en-
tirely black ; the tarsi beneath slightly fuscous ; the claws ferrugi-
nous. Abdomen oblong-ovate, shining, very delicately punctate ;
the anal fimbria nigrescent ; beneath, the apical segments have a
fringe of sooty black hair.
Male. — (Length b\ — 6 lines). Black ; the pubescence on the face
black ; the antennae nigro-piceous beneath. Thorax as in the female,
not quite so brightly coloured ; the wings subfuscous, with a slight
marginal cloud. Abdomen oblong-ovate, shining.
1736 Insects.
Mr. Kirby's Melitta melanocephala is a variety of the male of this
species. This bee appears in June, or the latter part of May in some
seasons : it is a local insect ; I have taken it in plenty in the sand-
pits at Charlton Kent ; also at Hawley, Hampshire. It burrows
in sand-banks, and is very fond of collecting its pollen from thistle-
heads : the female differs in the colouring of the wings, being
sometimes very slightly coloured, and the marginal cloud almost
obsolete.
Sp. 16. Andrena nitida, Fab. — St. Fargeau.
Apis nitida, Fourcroy. Melitta nitida, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5^ — 6 \ lines). Black ; the pubescence on the
face fuscous ; the antennae nigro-piceous beneath. Thorax clothed
above with fulvous hair ; the wings subhyaline, a cloud on their mar-
gins ; the femora beneath have a fringe of white hair ; the pubescence
on the tibiae and tarsi is fuscous ; the floccus white ; the scopa black
above, beneath nearly white. Abdomen sub-ovate, shining, the three
anterior segments have a patch of white hair at their lateral margins ;
the anal fimbria is of a brown-black ; beneath, the margins of the
segments have a long fringe of whitish hair.
Male. — (Length 5 — 6 lines). Black ; the face clothed with pale
fulvous hair, inclining to white on the clypeus ; the apical joints of
the antennae slightly piceous beneath. Thorax fulvous above, and
the femora beneath fringed with white hair. Abdomen ovate-lanceo-
late, with a thin scattered pale pubescence ; the extreme apex with a
few short fulvous hairs.
This species is very generally distributed; it appears in April,
and is particularly fond of the flowers of the common dandelion,
in which they completely cover themselves with pollen. St. Far-
geau considered Mr. Kirby's Melitta pratensis to be a variety of
the male of this species, but in this he is mistaken, the face of M. pra-
tensis being clothed with black hair ; it is, as I have shown, a variety
of the male of A. atra.
Sp. 17. Andrena consimilis, Smith.
Female. — (Length 7 lines). Black ; the face clothed with a white
pubescence, becoming fuscous at the base of the antenna?, which are
nigro-piceous. Thorax clothed with fulvous pubescence above,
that on the femora beneath is white ; all the femora and the anterior
Insects. 1737
and intermediate tibiae nigro-piceous; the posterior tibiae and all the
tarsi ferruginous ; the floccus white, and the scopa pale fulvous. Ab-
domen sub-ovate, shining; the three basal segments have a lateral
patch of white hairs ; the anal fimbria fulvous.
In general habit, there is a remarkable resemblance between this
and the preceding species, and had I only seen a single specimen, I
might have considered it an extreme variety, but the colour of the
legs differs too much for me to consider it such. I do not know the
male ; in Mr. Desvignes's possession there are two specimens, and I
have seen one or two more. I captured my own specimen some years
ago at Coomb Wood, Surrey ; some of those enumerated I believe
came from the same locality.
Sp. 18. Andrena vitrea, Smith.
Female. — (Length 6 J lines). Black ; the face clothed with black
pubescence ; the cheeks and the vertex with brown-black. Thorax
thinly clothed with a pale rufous pubescence; the tegulae dark piceous ;
the wings hyaline, very slightly clouded at their apical margins ; the
nervures testaceous ; the femora are fringed with pale rufous pubes-
cence; the floccus is of the same colour; the scopa is fulvous, bright-
est beneath ; the basal joint of the tarsi is dark ferruginous beneath.
Abdomen very smooth and shining ; the margin of the basal segment
is rufo-piceous ; the apical fimbria is black ; beneath, the second seg-
ment has a rufous spot, in some individuals the whole segment is la-
terally more or less rufous ; the margins of the apical segments have
a rufous fringe.
This species is rare ; Mr. Desvignes has some fine specimens in
his cabinet ; their locality is not known : the male has not been dis-
covered.
Sp. 19. Andrena tibialis.
Melitta tibialis, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 6 — 7 J lines). Black ; the face clothed with
pale pubescence nearly white, a little reddish-brown hair at the base
of the antennae. Thorax clothed with a rufo-fulvous pubescence ;
the tegulae piceous ; the wings subtestaceous, with their apical margins
clouded ; the femora have a white pubescence, which is also the co-
lour of the floccus ; the posterior tibiae and the intermediate and pos-
terior tarsi rufo-fulvous ; the scopa bright fulvous. Abdomen sub-
1738 . Insects.
ovate, having a thin short pale pubescence, and also a fascia of the
same colour on the margins of the segments ; the anal fimbria dark
brown.
Male. — (Length 5 — 6j lines). Black; the face clothed with a
brown-black pubescence ; the antennae nearly as long as the head and
thorax, the joints sub-arcuate. Thorax above has a rufo-fulvous pu-
bescence ; the wings subhyaline, slightly clouded at their margins ;
the apical joints of the anterior and intermediate tarsi rufous, and the
apex of the posterior tibiae and the tarsi rufous. Abdomen lanceolate,
with a thin pale rufous pubescence.
Var. — The posterior tibiae almost or entirely rufous.
The sexes of this species I have taken in copula. Mr. Kirby's Me-
litta atriceps is the male. This bee is one of the most abundant of
the genus ; I have taken it as early as the end of March.
Sp. 20. Andrena Mouffetella.
Melitta Mouffetella, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 6 lines). Black ; the face has a pale fulvous pu-
bescence, but that along the margins of the eyes and on the vertex is
dark brown, on the cheeks it is nearly white. Thorax above is
clothed with a fulvous pubescence, beneath it is nearly white ; the
tegulae rufo-piceous ; the wings hyaline, slightly clouded at their
margins ; the nervures testaceous ; the posterior tibiae, the intermedi-
ate and posterior tarsi, and apical joints of the anterior pair rufous ;
all the femora have a fringe of very pale hair, nearly white, as is also
the floccus ; the scopa is bright fulvous. Abdomen subovate, con-
vex, and has a nigro-aeneous tinge, thinly clothed with pale fulvous
hair ; the margins of the segments are piceous, and have a thin fringe
of pale fulvous hair; beneath, rufo-piceous at the base.'
Male. — (Length 4j — 5 lines). Black; the face has a little fulvous
pubescence at the base of the antennae, but on the clypeus, and along
the inner margin of the eyes it is dark brown ; the antennae as long as
the head and thorax, the joints slightly arcuate. Thorax has a pale
fulvous pubescence ; the tegulae rufo-piceous ; the wings hyaline,
their nervures testaceous ; all the tarsi and the apex of the posterior
tibiae ferruginous. Abdomen oblong-ovate, with a thin pale fulvous
pubescence.
This species is rare in cabinets ; in the Kirbyan there are three or
four. I have a single specimen of the female which I captured on
Holdershot Heath, Hants: I have only seen one or two others, 1
think in the cabinet of Mr. Curtis.
Insects. 1739
Sp. 21. Andrena nigro-^nea.
Melitta nigro-wnea, Kirby.
- Female. — (Length 6 — 7 lines). Black ; the pubescence on the
face black, with a few fulvous hairs at the base of the antennae ; the
cheeks clothed with fulvous ; the pubescence on the thorax rufo-
fulvous above ;■ the tegulae piceous ; the wings subhyaline, their ner-
vures testaceous ; the stigma ferruginous ; the apical margins of the
wings slightly clouded ; the femora have a fringe of fulvous hair, that
on the tibiae and tarsi is fuscous ; the floccus pale fulvous ; the scopa
bright rufo-fulvous ; all the tarsi beneath ferruginous. Abdomen
ovate, nigro-aeneous, thinly clothed with fulvous hair ; the apical fim-
bria black.
Male. — (Length 5 — 6 lines). Black ; the face clothed with dark
rufous hair, black along the margin of the eyes and on the vertex ;
the antennae as long as the head and thorax, the latter clothed above
with fulvous hair, as are also the legs. Abdomen ovate, thinly clothed
with fulvous hair, and with black at the apex.
This is one of the most abundant species of the genus, and is very
generally distributed: it is one of the most interesting, in conse-
quence of its being that upon which Stylops was first discovered by
Mr. Kirby.
Sp. 22. Andrena bimaculata.
Melitta bimaculata, Kirby.
Male. — (Length 5 J lines). Black; the face clothed with brown-
black pubescence ; the antennae as long as the head and thorax, the
ioints arcuate. Thorax clothed above with ferruginous pubescence,
which is rather paler beneath and on the legs ; the tegulae nigro-
piceous } the wings subhyaline, their nervures testaceous, the apical
margins slightly clouded. Abdomen ovate-lanceolate, the margins of
the segments piceous, thinly clothed with pale ferruginous hair ; be-
neath, the second segment has two lateral rufous spots.
I consider this species quite distinct from Mr. Kirby's " Melitta
atriceps ;" independent of the rufous spots, it has entirely black legs,
whilst in " atriceps," or the male of " tibialis," the posterior tibiae are
pale at their apex. I have not seen this insect in any cabinet except
the Kirbyan; nor do I know its female.
1 740 Insects.
Sp. 23. Andrena Trimmerana.
Melitta Trimmerana, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 7 lines). Black ; the pubescence on the face is
of a brown-black ; the antennae as long as the head and half the thorax .
Thorax clothed above with a rufo-fulvous pubescence; the tegulae pi-
ceous ; the wings hyaline, their nervures testaceous, their apex
slightly clouded ; the legs have a fuscous pubescence above ; the
tarsi ferruginous beneath ; the floccus very pale ochraceous, nearly
white, as is also the scopa beneath, above it is brown-black. Abdo-
men ovate, and clothed with a fuscous pubescence ; the anal fimbria
black.
Var. — The scopa is sometimes pale brown above.
Male. — (Length 5 — 6 lines). Black; the head a little wider than
the thorax ; the antennas as long as the head and thorax, the joints
arcuate : the mandibles have a minute tooth at their base, their tips
ferruginous ; the face clothed with pale rufous pubescence, as well as
the thorax and legs ; the wings hyaline, their apical margins slightly
clouded ; the apical joints of the tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen has
a patch of long hairs at the base of the second segment in the centre ;
the apical segment is clothed with ferruginous hair.
This species appears to be rather local ; it is, however, extremely
abundant on Hampstead Heath, where it is very subject to being
stylopised ; I took a number thus infested, and reared the perfect
Sty lops from them : the antennae of the females are longer than in any
species with which I am acquainted.
Sp. 24. Andrena longipes, Shuckard.
Female. — (Length 5 — 6 lines). Black; the face thinly clothed
with pale fulvous pubescence, a thickish tuft of the same above the
base of the antennae, which are piceous beneath ; the scape entirely-
black, nearly as long as the head and thorax. Thorax clothed
above with fulvous pubescence, rather paler on the sides and
beneath ; the tegulae and nervures testaceous ; the wings subfuscous,
slightly clouded at their apical margins ; the legs have a thin fulvous
pubescence ; the floccus very pale, nearly white ; the scopa fulvous ;
the posterior tibiae and all the tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen oblong-
ovate, convex, the margins of the segments narrowly piceous, and
having, except the basal one, a narrow fascia of pale fulvous pubes-
Insects. 1741
cence ; the anal fimbria fulvous ; beneath, the margins of the seg-
ments are piceous, and are thinly ciliated with pale fulvous hair.
Male. — (Length 4 — 6 lines). Black; the head larger than the
thorax, sometimes twice as large ; the face clothed with pale fulvous
pubescence ; the antennae as long as the head and thorax, the joints
subarcuate ; the mandibles long, curved, and subdentate at their base.
Thorax has a thin pale fulvous pubescence; the wings as in the
female ; all the tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen lanceolate, naked ; the
tip ferruginous.
This fine species was, I believe, first discovered by Mr. Shuckard, on
Hampstead Heath, where it is not uncommon in April and May. I
have also taken it on Hawley Flat, Hants. Some specimens of the male
have enormous large heads, which, with their long curved mandibles,
give them a very ferocious aspect. Mr. Desvignes has the finest se-
ries of the varieties of this species which I have seen.
Sp. 25. Andrena varians.
Melitta varians, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 — 5 J lines). Black ; on the face below the base
of the antennae is a little brown-black pubescence, at their base it is
black ; the antennae are nigro-piceous beneath. Thorax, above
clothed with fulvous pubescence ; the tegulae ferruginous ; the wings
subhyaline, the nervures testaceous, the apical margins slightly
clouded; the legs have a fuscous pubescence above, but on the
femora beneath it is paler ; the tarsi beneath are dark ferruginous ;
the floccus white ; the scopa beneath is shining silvery- white, above
it is brown-black. Abdomen ovate, the pubescence on the first and base
of the second segment is fulvous, on the rest it is thinner and black.
Male. — (Length 4 — 5 lines). Black ; the head wider than the
thorax ; the face below the base of the antennae is clothed with long-
silvery pubescence, at their base it is ochraceous ; the antennae nearly
as long as the head and thorax ; the mandibles are subdentate at their
base, ferruginous at their tips. Thorax, above thinly clothed with
rufo-fulvous pubescence, at the sides and beneath it is paler ; the
tegulae piceous ; the wings iridescent, the nervures testaceous ; the
legs have pale fulvous pubescence. Abdomen ovate-lanceolate, at the
base is a patch of pale fulvous hair, the apex is fulvous ; beneath,
the margins of the segments are ciliated with white hair.
The insect which I have considered to be the male of this species
I think is identical with the subdentata of Kirby. I consider it to be
1742 Insects.
the male finding them so constantly in company : the species is com-
mon in April and May, particularly on Hampstead Heath. The male
in the Kirbyan collection is much mutilated : I think it is much too
large an insect to belong to varians : I have so frequently observed
the sexes described sporting together, that I have little doubt they
are correctly paired.
Sp. 26. Andrena helvola, Fab.
Apis helvola, Linn. Melitta helvola, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 — 5 J lines). Black ; the face clothed with a
pale yellow pubescence ; the antennae nigro-piceons beneath. Tho-
rax clothed above with rufo-fulvous pubescence ; the tegulae ferrugi-
nous ; the wings hyaline, their apical margins slightly clouded, the
nervures testaceous ; the legs have a rufo-fulvous pubescence ; the
femora beneath are fringed with white hair ; the floccus white ; the
scopa pale fulvous, palest beneath ; the apical joints of the anterior
tarsi, and the whole of the intermediate and posterior pairs, ferru-
ginous. Abdomen oblong-ovate, clothed with a grayish pubescence,
having a patch of fulvous hair at the base.
Male. — (Length 4j — 5 lines). Black ; the head rather wider than
the thorax ; the clypeus clothed with long white hair, tinged with yel-
low at the base of the antennae. Thorax clothed above with rufo-ful-
vous ; the wings hyaline, iridescent, slightly clouded at their apical
margins; the apical joints of the tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen ovate -
lanceolate, and has a patch of fulvous hair at the base, sometimes ob-
solete ; beneath, the margins of the segments are ciliated wTith white
hair.
This species is not so abundant as the preceding, but is by
no means uncommon. The female varies in the colour of its pubes-
cence, being very liable to fade from exposure, that on the abdomen
being in very recent individuals pale fulvous. The male which
T have described seems to be identical with Mr. Kirby's angulosa;
that in the Kirbyan collection is almost entirely mutilated, but I do
not think it is identical with mine, it being much larger. I cannot
think Mr. Kirby's male correctly united, but the males of this genus
vary very much both in size and colouring.
Sp. 27. Andrena Gwynana.
Melitta Gwynana, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 — 5j lines). Black; the face clothed with
Insects. 1743
black hair ; the mandibles ferruginous at their tips. Thorax clothed
above with ferruginous pubescence ; the tegulae piceous ; the wings
subhyaline, their apical margins slightly clouded, the nervures ferru-
ginous ; the floccus pale ferruginous ; the scopa ferruginous. Abdo-
men subovate, the three basal segments are thinly clothed with ferrugi-
nous pubescence ; the anal fimbria black.
Male. — (Length 4 — 4j lines). Black; the face clothed with long
black pubescence ; the antennae nearly as long as the head and tho-
rax, the joints subarcuate. Thorax clothed above with dull pale fer-
ruginous, with which the legs are also fringed beneath ; the tegulae
dark piceous ; the wings subhyaline, iridescent, their apical mar-
gins slightly clouded. Abdomen ovate-lanceolate, with thinly scat-
tered rufescent pubescence.
This is a very abundant species during April and May, and appears
to be dispersed all over the country.
Sp. 28. Andrena proxima, Smith.
Female. — (Length 4 lines). Black ; the face clothed with a black
pubescence; the antennae nigro-piceous beneath. Thorax clothed
above with ferruginous pubescence ; the tegulae dark piceous ; the
wings subhyaline, their apical margins slightly clouded ; the pubes-
cence on the legs ferruginous ; the posterior tibiae and tarsi dark fer-
ruginous ; the floccus pale yellow ; the scopa of a golden yellow.
Abdomen ovate, the margins very thinly fringed with yellow pubes-
cence ; the anal fimbria black.
I do not know the male of this species. The female appears
in June : I have taken it at Weybridge and in Hants. I have
observed it in some collections mixed with the preceding species,
which it resembles.
Sp. 29. Andrena fucata, Smith.
Female. — (Length 5 — 6 lines). Black; the face has a thin pale
fulvous pubescence, and a line of short decumbent silvery pile along
the inner margin of the eyes ; the antennae nigro-piceous beneath ;
the apical margin of the clypeus emarginate and laterally produced,
forming acute teeth. Thorax, on the disk clothed with a thin pale
fulvous pubescence, and on the metathorax with white ; the tegulae
rufo-piceous ; the wings subhyaline ; the posterior tibiae and tarsi
dark ferruginous ; the floccus silvery-white, as is also the scopa, ap-
1744 Insects.
pearing in different lights of different colours, more or less tinged
with fulvous ; the tarsi beneath ferruginous.
Male. — (Length 4 — 5 lines). Black ; the face clothed with white
pubescence; the antennae as long as the head and thorax, the joints
slightly arcuate. Thorax thinly clothed with pale fulvous pubes-
cence beneath, and on the femora it is white ; the tegulae piceous ;
the wings hyaline, iridescent, slightly clouded at the margins, their
nervures testaceous ; the posterior tibiae, and the intermediate and
posterior tarsi, pale rufous, usually a dark stain on the posterior
tibiae at the base beneath. Abdomen ovate-lanceolate; the apex
fulvous.
This species I have received from Bristol, also from Scotland : the
male described I received with the specimens from Scotland. I also
found the same male arranged with this species in the collection of
Mr. Shuckard, now in the possession of Mr. Desvignes.
Sp. 30. Andrena distincta, Smith.
Female. — (Length 6 lines). Black; the face thinly clothed with
fulvous pubescence; the antennae as long as the head and thorax,
the latter thinly clothed with fulvous ; the tegulae rufo-piceous ; the
wings subfuscous, slightly clouded at their apical margins, the ner-
vures testaceous ; the legs rufo-piceous ; the posterior tibiae and all
the tarsi ferruginous ; the floccus very pale fulvous ; the scopa bright
fulvous. Abdomen sub-ovate, the margins of the segments slightly
piceous ; the apical fimbria ferruginous.
This species is rare in cabinets ; I possess but a single specimen ;
there are two or three in Mr. Desvignes's collection : I cannot learn
their locality. I do not know the male.
Sp. 31. Andrena conjuncta, Smith.
Female. — (Length 6 lines). Black ; the face has a thin dark ful-
vous pubescence ; the antennae piceous beneath. Thorax very thinly
clothed with fulvous pubescence on the disk, becoming paler on the
sides and metathorax ; the wings hyaline, slightly clouded at their
apical margins ; the posterior tibiae and tarsi dark ferruginous ; the
floccus pale fulvous ; the scopa bright fulvous beneath, above less
bright and shining; the tarsi bright fulvous beneath. Abdomen
ovate, convex, and punctate ; the margins of the segments laterally
are slightly fringed with a few pale fulvous hairs ; the anal fimbria
black.
Insects. 1745
This is a distinct species ; I captured it some years ago at High-
gate, in July, since which I have not met with it.
Sp. 32. Andrena angustior.
Melitta angustior, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 4 J — 5 lines). Black; the face clothed with
fuscous pubescence ; the antennae piceous beneath. Thorax clothed
above with fulvous, but with paler pubescence on the sides and meta-
thorax ; the tegulae piceous; wings subhyaline, the apical margins
slightly clouded; the legs nigro-piceous ; the posterior tibiae and
tarsi ferruginous ; the floccus very pale ochraceous ; the scopa pale
fulvous. Abdomen, the margins of the segments are sparingly fringed
with pale fulvous pubescence ; the apical fimbria fuscous ; beneath,
the apical segments have a rather long fringe of pale fulvous pubes-
cence.
Male. — The head as large as the thorax ; the face clothed with
black pubescence ; the antennae scarcely as long as the head and tho-
rax ; the legs rufo-piceous. Abdomen has a thin cinereous pubes-
cence, beneath dark rufo-piceous.
The male described is in accordance with Mr. Kirby's description,
but I think it doubtful if they are correctly paired : there is no speci-
men of either sex in the Kirbyan cabinet : the female is rare, being
seldom found in cabinets.
Sp. 33. Andrena picicornis.
Melitta picicornis, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 lines). Black ; the face clothed with dark
brown pubescence, a little paler on the cheeks ; the antennae rufo-
piceous. Thorax thinly clothed with pale fulvous pubescence ; the
tegulae piceous ; the wings subtestaceous, the apical margins slightly
clouded, the nervures piceous ; the legs rufo-piceous ; the floccus
very pale yellow, nearly white ; the scopa bright yellow. Abdomen
dark rufo-piceous ; the margins of the segments piceous ; the apical
fimbria fuscous.
The only specimens which I have seen of this species are the
pair in the Kirbyan cabinet; taken by Mr. Kirby at Barham,
Suffolk.
1746 Insects.
Sp. 34. Andrena picipes.
Melitla picipes, Kirby.
Male. — (Length 4 lines). Head larger than the thorax, with a gri-
seous pubescence ; the face with hoary pubescence. Thorax clothed
above with fulvous ; the wings hyaline, their nervures testaceous ; the
legs rufo-piceous, their pubescence pallid. Abdomen fuscous, shin-
ing and pilose ; beneath, the segments are fringed with pallid hair.
There is no specimen of this bee in the Kirbyan cabinet ; that de-
scribed by Mr. Kirby was in Dr. Drury's collection : I have not met
with any insect exactly agreeing with the description.
Sp. 35. Andrena fdlva, St. Fargeau.
Apisfulva, Schrank. Apis vestita, Panzer. Andrena veslila, Fab.
Apis armala, Linn., male. Melittafulva and armata, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5j — 6J lines). Black ; the face clothed with
black pubescence. Thorax clothed above with rich ferruginous ; the
tegulae ferruginous ; the wings hyaline, slightly clouded at their api-
cal margins, their nervures ferruginous ; the legs clothed with black
pubescence ; the floccus of a sooty black. Abdomen ovate, clothed
with a dense rich bright fulvous pubescence ; the apical fimbria
is of a palish yellow ; beneath, the segments have a marginal black
fringe.
Male. — (Length 5 — 6 J lines). Black ; the head as large, or some-
times much larger than the thorax ; the clypeus clothed with white
pubescence, becoming slightly ferruginous at the base of the an-
tennae, which are nigro-piceous beneath ; the mandibles long, curved,
and bidentate at their apex, at their base beneath is a short acute
tooth. Thorax clothed above with ferruginous pubescence, as are
also the legs and abdomen; on the latter it is thin, except at the mar-
gin of the basal segment, where it forms a longish fringe ; the wings
hyaline, iridescent, and slightly clouded at their apical margins, their
nervures testaceous. Abdomen ovate-lanceolate.
I believe I was the first to discover the male of fulva, which I
did in 1840. I took several pairs in coitu, which since that period I
have observed on two or three occasions. This is the most beautiful
species of the genus ; it appears in April, and is generally distributed :
on Hampstead Heath it is particularly abundant during April and
Insects. 1747
May ; but to secure fine specimens like those described, the insect
must be captured as soon as they appear ; the pubescence in both
sexes soon fades from exposure, the female becoming pale yellow,
and the clothing of the male entirely hoary.
Sp. 36. Andrena Clarkella.
Melitta Clarkella, Kirby. Andrena bicolor, St. Fargeau.
Female. — (Length 5 — 6 J lines). Black; the face clothed with
black pubescence. Thorax clothed above with fulvous ; the tegulae
nigro-piceous; the wings hyaline, their apical margins slightly clouded;
the nervures ferruginous ; the pubescence on the legs black ; the four
anterior tarsi dark rufo-piceous ; the posterior tibiae and tarsi fulvous ;
the floccus sooty-black ; the scopa bright fulvous. Abdomen ovate,
clothed with black pubescence.
Var. 1. — The abdomen with a few fulvous hairs on the basal
segment.
Var. 2. — The first and second segment clothed with rather pale
fulvous hair, and on the third segment fringed with the same.
Male. — (Length 4j — 5 lines). Black ; the face has a little fulvous
pubescence on the clypeus, but at the base of the antennae, and along
the inner margins of the eyes it is black. Thorax also clothed
with fulvous, paler on the sides and on the metathorax ; the tegulae
dark piceous ; the wings hyaline, iridescent, very slightly clouded at
their apical margins ; the pubescence on the legs is pale fulvous ; the
apex of the posterior tibiae beneath is piceous ; all the tarsi are ferru-
ginous beneath. Abdomen ovate-lanceolate ; the extreme apex is
pale fulvous.
1 have retained Mr. Kirby's name for this bee, although St. Far-
geau has considered it as synonymous with the A. bicolor of Fabri-
cius, but I agree with Mr. Kirby that the A. bicolor of Fabricius is
identical with the male of A. thoracica : had Fabricius described the
present species, he could hardly have omitted its principal charac-
teristic, the pubescent abdomen. This bee is one of the earliest to
appear in spring ; I have taken it at the end of March in a fine warm
season. I discovered the male, in 1837, by digging both sexes out of
a sand-bank at Bishop's Wood, Hampstead ; in 1840 I captured two
pairs in copula, the male not being previously known. I have re-
ceived the species from Scotland.
1748 Insects.
Sp. 37. Andrena Smithella.
Melitta Smithella, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 — 6 lines). Black ; the pubescence on the
face pale fulvous ; the antennae piceous beneath. Thorax clothed
above with rufo-fulvous pubescence ; the tegulae nigro-piceous ; the
wings hyaline, slightly clouded at their apical margins, the nervures
ferruginous ; the floccus bright yellow ; the scopa yellow beneath,
slightly fuscous above; the apical joints of the tarsi rufo -piceous ;
the pubescence on the legs yellow. Abdomen oblong-ovate, slightly
depressed, the segments clothed, excepting the base of each, which is
nearly naked, with rather long pale fulvous pubescence ; the margins
of the segments piceous; the apical fimbria ferruginous.
This is a rare species, which I have not had the good for-
tune to meet with ; I have captured a species closely resembling it,
but upon comparison with the specimens in the Kirbyan cabinet, not
identical. The insect next described I have seen in several collec-
tions named Smithella, from which it differs in the clothing of the
abdomen ; in Smithella, if viewed laterally, it forms bands of long
bright yellow hair, the base of each segment being naked ; but in that
which I shall next describe is equally distributed, not forming bands
or fasciae.
Sp. 38. Andrena apicatus, Smith.
Female. — (Length 6 lines). Black ; the face has a fuscous pubes-
cence on the clypeus, and black along the margins of the eyes ; the
antennae are nigro-piceous beneath. Thorax pale fulvous above ; the
tegulae piceous; the wings subhyaline, the apical margins slightly
clouded, the nervures ferruginous ; the pubescence on the legs be-
neath is pale fulvous, above it is slightly fuscous ; the scopa beneath
is pale bright fulvous, above it is fuscous ; the floccus is pale fulvous ;
the tarsi beneath are bright ferruginous. Abdomen ovate, clothed
with long pale fulvous pubescence ; the apical fimbria black ; the
margins of the segments are piceous ; beneath, the margins of the
segments are piceous, and fringed with long pale fulvous hair.
This species closely resembles A. Smithella, but is rather larger ;
the tip of the abdomen is black, and is of a different form, being more
ovate, and more convex above : it is a rare species, only occasionally
met with.
Insects. 1749
Sp. 39. Andrena bidentata.
Melitta bidentata, Kirby.
Male. — (Length 4 J lines). Black; the face clothed with longish
yellow pubescence ; the apex of the clypeus has two acute teeth placed
laterally, between which the labrum projects, forming a third large
obtuse tooth, which is concave beneath ; the antennae nearly as long
as the head and thorax, piceous beneath. Thorax clothed above
with a dense rufo-fulvous pubescence ; the tegulae piceous ; the wings
hyaline, their apical margins slightly clouded ; the legs rufo-piceous,
their pubescence pale fulvous ; the tarsi testaceous. Abdomen sub-
ovate, the margins of the segments rather thickly fringed with pale
fulvous pubescence, the margins slightly piceous ; beneath, the mar-
gins are also fringed in a similar manner ; the pubescence, however,
is longer and rather thinner.
There is that close resemblance between this bee and the A. Smith-
ella, that I quite agree with Mr. Kirby in suspecting that it is the
male of that species. I have not seen it in any cabinet except the
Kirbyan ; it is doubtless a very local insect. Mr. Kirby's came from
Melton, in Suffolk, captured in August.
Sp. 40. Andrena nigriceps.
Melitta nigriceps, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 — 5| lines). Black; the pubescence on the
face black ; the antennae piceous beneath ; the vertex has a fringe of
fulvous hair on its margin ; the disk of the thorax densely clothed
with rufo-fulvous pubescence, rather paler on the sides and metatho-
rax ; the tegulae ferruginous ; the wings hyaline, slightly clouded on
their apical margins, their nervures dark ferruginous ; the pubescence
on the legs black ; the floccus sooty-black ; the apical joints of the
tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen ovate, sub-depressed ; the four basal
segments have a broad fascia of fulvous pubescence ; the anal fimbria
black.
This is a very rare species ; there are two specimens in the Kir-
byan cabinet, one in that of the British Museum, the same in Mr.
Desvignes and my own. I am indebted to Mr. Dale for my speci-
men, who captured one or two last year. I do not know the male.
Mr. Kirby has given a short description of one which he thought
1750 Insects.
might probably belong to it, but the specimen is not in the Kirbyan
cabinet : it is described as having the head clothed with black hair ;
the antennae short. Thorax above dark rufous ; the nervures of the
wings yellow. Abdomen lanceolate; the margins of the segments
have a dense fringe.
Sp. 41. Andrena articulata, Smith.
Male. — (Length 5 J lines). Black ; the face clothed with fuscous
pubescence, a little black along the margins of the eyes ; the antennae
rather short, stout ; the joints subarcuate, nigro-piceous, excepting
the two basal joints, which are jet-black. Thorax thinly clothed
above with pale fulvous, very pale at the sides and on the metathorax ;
the tegulae dark piceous ; the wings subfuscous, and slightly clouded
at their apical margins, the nervures testaceous ; the legs rufo-pi-
ceous, their pubescence fulvous ; the apical joints of the tarsi ferrugi-
nous. Abdomen oblong-ovate, punctate, the margin of the basal seg-
ment sometimes rufo-piceous ; all the segments have a thin pale ful-
vous fascia ; beneath, the second segment is either rufo-piceous, or
has two rufous maculae, sometimes the rufous colouring is obsolete.
This is a very distinct species, and I suspect is a very local insect.
I do not know any female to which I could imagine it might be
united. Mr. Desvignes and myself have each a single specimen.
Sp. 42. Andrena rufitarsis.
Melitta rufitarsis, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 lines). Black ; the face clothed with grayish-
white pubescence ; along the inner margin of the eyes, as high as the
vertex, is a line of short pale down ; the antennae beneath rufo-
fulvous, the basal joints black. Thorax clothed wTith dense pale yel-
low pubescence ; the tegulae rufo-piceous ; the wTings subhyaline,
very slightly clouded at their margins, their nervures piceous ; the
legs rufo-piceous, and have a pale ochraceous pubescence ; the floc-
cus is of the same colour ; the scopa inclining to fulvous ; all the tarsi
rufous. Abdomen oblong-ovate ; the margins of the segments are
narrowly piceous, and have a thick fringe of pale yellow pubescence ;
the anal fimbria fulvous.
This is a rare species : I have never met with it, nor have I seen
it in any but the Kirbyan cabinet ; it closely resembles the next spe-
cies A, fuscipes, but its legs are of a paler colour as well as their pu-
Insects. 1751
bescence, and the anal fimbria is bright fulvous, the fascia on the ab-
dominal segments are full one-third broader than in fuscipes, although
at first sight the two species might be confounded ; they are very dis-
tinct, but some species of this genus very closely resemble each
other.
Sp. 43. Andrena fuscipes.
Melitta fuscipes, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 — 5j lines). Black ; the face is very thinly
clothed with pale fulvous pubescence, a line of pale short down along
the inner margin of the eyes, reaching to the vertex ; four or five of
the apical joints of the antennas are rufo-piceous beneath ; the pubes-
cence on the thorax above is fulvous ; it is very thick, but paler on
the metathorax; the tegulae testaceous; the wings subhyaline, slightly
clouded at their apical margins, their nervures piceous ; the floccus
very pale yellow, nearly white ; the scopa is pale beneath, but fus-
cous above : the tarsi beneath are ferruginous ; the apical joints are
rufo-piceous. Abdomen sub-ovate ; all the margins have a fascia of
very pale fulvous pubescence ; the apical fimbria fuscous.
Male. — (Length 4 lines). Black ; the pubescence on the face is
nearly white ; on the thorax it is ochraceous, very pale at the sides
and beneath ; the tegulae nigro-piceous ; the wings iridescent, sub-
hyaline, and slightly clouded at their margins ; the tarsi beneath have
a ferruginous pubescence ; the apical joints are rufo-ferruginous.
Abdomen lanceolate ; the margins have each a pale fascia of rather
long pubescence, which also thinly clothes the basal segment, and is
scattered between the fasciae.
The male of this species is the pubescens of Kirby ; the specimen
in the Kirby an cabinet is gray from age, a change to which this
species is very subject, particularly the male : it is very abundant in
Hampshire, frequenting heaths : I never found it in any other locality ;
it is also very plentiful at Weybridge, in July and August. Mr.
Kirby considered the male to be the pubescens of Fabricius, but as
the description of that author would equally well suit several other
species, I have retained Mr. Kirby's name of the female.
Sp. 44. Andrena lacinia, Smith.
Female. — (Length 5 lines). Black; the face thinly clothed
with short pale pubescence ; the antennae slightly piceous beneath.
1752 Insects.
Thorax clothed above with fulvous pubescence, much paler on the
sides, and white beneath ; the tegulae rufo-piceous ; the wings sub-
hyaline, clouded at their apical margins ; the legs dark rufo-pi-
ceous; the floccus white ; the scopa pale beneath, fuscous above; the
apical joints of the tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen oblong-ovate; the
margins of the segments piceous, clothed with a pale yellow pubes-
cence, the margins have each a white fascia ; the anal fimbria dark
fuscous ; beneath the abdomen rufo-piceous, and the margins of the
segments have a cilia of white hair ; on the fifth and sixth it is red-
dish-brown.
This is a very rare species ; I do not know its locality : there
are several specimens in Mr. Desvignes's cabinet ; I am indebted to
that gentleman for my specimen.
Sp. 45. Andrena Listerella.
Melitta Listerella, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 — 5 £ lines). Black ; the face has a thin pale
yellow pubescence ; the antennae are fulvous beneath, excepting the
three basal joints. Thorax thinly clothed above with pale fulvous pu-
bescence ; the tegulae black ; the wings subhyaline, their apical mar-
gins slightly clouded ; the legs dark rufo-piceous ; the floccus pale
fulvous ; the scopa, and all the tarsi beneath bright rufo-fulvous.
Abdomen oblong-ovate ; the marginal fasciae very pale, nearly white ;
the anal fimbria slightly fulvous ; the margins of the segments be-
neath are thinly fringed with fulvous pubescence.
Male. — (Length 4 lines). Black ; the face thinly clothed with pale
ochraceous pubescence ; the apex of the clypeus bidentate, there are
also two curved teeth on the labrum, and also a short acute tooth at
the base of the mandibles, which are long and curved. Thorax above
has a thin ochraceous pubescence ; the wings subhyaline, their apex
clouded; all the tarsi are bright fulvous beneath; the apical joints of
the tarsi rufo-testaceous. Abdomen ovate-lanceolate; the margins
of all the segments except the basal one, have a narrow fascia of very
pale ochraceous pubescence ; one or two of the apical segments have
their margins piceous ; beneath, the margins have a cilia of pale ful-
vous hair.
This is a rare species, being I suspect extremely local ; I have
once or twice taken a specimen of the female, but only one of
the male ; I once saw several of both sexes captured in company,
and from the general resemblance between them, I have no hesitation
in uniting them ; the male is the denticulata of Kirby. I may here
Insects. 1753
remark that many of the specimens described in the l Monographia
Apum Angliae' are in a worn and faded condition, which will account
for the difference in many of my descriptions compared with Mr.
Kirby's ; but I always, if possible, describe from a recent specimen ;
due allowance must therefore be made for age, which greatly changes
the colour.
Frederick Smith.
5, High Street, Newington,
May 13th, 1847.
Further Notes on the Entomology of Lundy Island.
By T. Vernon Wollaston, Esq., B.A., F.L.S.
In a former volume of the ' Zoologist,' I gave a slight sketch of the
Entomology of Lundy Island, the result of a five day's expedition in
June, 1844, undertaken by myself for the purpose of investigating, as
far as was practicable, its indigenous Coleoptera. From its peculiar
position, its small extent, and the extremely barren aspect of the coast,
I before stated, that, to an entomologist, nothing could possibly be
more unpromising than its whole appearance. And so, in the first
instance, it proved. Nevertheless, by dint of perseverance, I managed,
during my stay in 1844, to number in all sixty-five species. Since
that time I have had another opportunity of exploring the same
locality and testing my previous observations. In July, 1845, I
started from Ilfracombe on a second visit to the island, resolved to
make the most of a week's excursion and ascertain more accurately
the real nature of its Coleopterous Fauna. The result was far more
satisfactory than on the previous occasion ; the number of species this
time amounting to one hundred and twenly-one, eighty-eight of which
were altogether distinct from those collected in 1844. Considering
the short space by which the island is separated from the coasts of
Devonshire and Cornwall (the nearest point of land being less than
fourteen miles distant), I before expressed my surprise at not finding
the Entomological Fauna in most respects identical. Yet both oc-
casions have proved them to be quite dissimilar.
Inasmuch as the only opportunity I have had of exploring the op-
posite coast of Wales was not until 1845, I was unable, after my first
excursion to the island in 1844, to give any particulars as to how far
1754 Insects.
the species I then collected might be coincident with the Welch ones.
Still, judging from their extraordinary want of similarity to those
which I had been accustomed to observe on the north coast of Devon-
shire and Cornwall, and the occurrence of a few remarkable species
which I knew to be common throughout the south of Wales ; I was
inclined to believe, that, in spite of the immense difference between
the distances of the two shores, (the one being about thirty miles in a
direct line, the other only fourteen), they partook more of the charac-
ter of the Welch Coleoptera than of those, as we should have naturally
supposed, of the nearest coast ; in which conjecture I have since
found that I was not mistaken. The following species, which I took
at Lundy, occurred profusely at Tenby and in its immediate vicinity :
Dromius foveolus, Haliplus lineato-collis, Hydroporus nigrita and
jugularis, -Parous prolefericornis, Laccobius minutus and globosus,
Cercyon stercorarium, Aphodius ater, Rhinonchus pericarpius, Sitona
puncticollis, Thyamis tabida, Cteniopus sulphurous, Aleochara fus-
cipes and nitida, Philonthus lituratus, Xantholinus glabratus and
linearis. At Carmathen also many species were particularly abundant,
which were in equal profusion at Lundy. I might mention, amongst
others, as characteristic, Argutor erythropus, Trechus minutus, Har-
palus seneus, Helephorus griseus, Limnebius truncatellus, Otiorhyn-
chus ligneus, Apion violaceum, Raphirus semiobscurus, Oxytelus de-
pressus, Staphylinus aBneocephalus, &c. There are a few of these
which T could lay more particular stress upon, because they are re-
markably local, and seem to point especially to some peculiar (though
in the present instance, obscure) similarity in the places which pro-
duce them.
Thus, the beautiful Cteniopus sulphureus, I have in vain searched
for on the north coasts of Devonshire and Cornwall, though abound-
ing with the identical kind of flowers in which they occur so profusely
in Lundy Island and Wales. At Tenby they may be found on the
umbelliferous plants which are scattered sparingly over the sand-hills
facing the sea. In Lundy they were in the greatest profusion, and,
though confined in so small an island, it was really curious even there
to remark their excessive partiality to a single spot. Confining them-
selves to a most minute area in the south-eastern part of the island,
they were contented to remain there and were never observed to
roam. In the sunshine, indeed, they might be seen occasionally on
the wing, but they were merely passing from flower to flower and wan-
dered not from their prescribed sphere. It was rare, howrever, to find
them on the wing at all, for they were usually buried deep in the
fnsects. 1755
white flowers of the umbel, from which a small piece of yellow
emerging through the surrounding "snow" would have alone enabled
me to detect them, had I not been aware of their habits and dealt
with them accordingly. The fact is, they were, in many instances, so
completely gorged on their floral banquet, that, drunk with excess,
they had been burying themselves deeper and deeper into the umbel,
until, gradually receding from the sight, they had sunk into a vast and
profound sleep entirely beneath it ; so that, in walking over the flow-
ers, very frequently not a Cteniopus would appear, but, on gently
bending them at right angles to the stalks, a yellow host, congregated
closely and comfortably together, might be observed below ! Mr.
Dillwyn records its occurrence also at Swansea, and observes that it
is " not uncommon on umbelliferous and other plants, and is some-
times very abundant on the flowers of Rosa spinosissima on Sketty
Burrows." Another very remarkable instance of similarity between
the insects of Lundy Island and Wales, is the occurrence at Tenby of
a Macrocnema, which I discovered ^t Lundy in 1844 and had con-
sidered it as a new species. I still think it distinct from anything
acknowledged as indigenous to this country, but have refrained from
describing it, knowing how excessively subject to variation many of
the individuals of that genus are, and conceiving it possible that the
proximity to the sea, or some other local cause, might have so altered
and disguised one of the well-known species, as to allow of its assum-
ing the present abnormal form. Be this, however, as it may, the
same form occurred to me at Tenby, being the only locality, besides
Lundy Island, which has yet come beneath my notice.
Hydroporus jugularis is another instance of a very local insect (and
one which, I think, is usually considered rare) occurring profusely in
the two localities. And, in like manner, I might go on to enumerate
hosts of others (such as Sarrotrium muticum, Orobitis cyaneus, Otio-
rhynchus rugifrons, &c.) equally abundant in Lundy Island and Wales,
though searched for in vain on the north coast of Devonshire and
Cornwall, — but space fails me. So far indeed as my own experience
goes, the north coasts of Devonshire and Cornwall (and I have had
good opportunities of exploring them) have a Fauna, as regards Co-
leoptera at least, most characteristic and peculiar. Unlike the south-
ern coast of the same counties, and still more unlike the south coast
of Wales, they abound in a profusion of insects of which few localities
can boast. Not to mention many rarities which have occurred in few
or single instances, I might record, amongst a long train of others, —
Cicindela maritima, Nebria complanata, Chlaenius melanocornis, Pe-
1756 Insects.
ryphus decorus and tibialis, Cercyon obsoletum, Latridius augusti-
collis, Cryptophagus scutellatus, Geotrupes laevis, Aphodius scrofa,
Oxyomus caesus, Selatisoraus aeneus, Throscus derraestoides, Cyphon
Pini {Curtis), Cossonus Tardii, Hypera dissimilis, Sitona cambrica,
Cleonus nebulosus, Apion subulatum, Sphaeriestes ater, Leptura auru-
lenta, Chrysomela haemoptera, Oncomera melanura, Oxytelus depres-
sus, &c., not one of which I have myself discovered on the opposite
coast, and only four of which are recorded by Mr. Dillwyn in his ela-
borate and copious ' Catalogue of the Coleoptera of the Neighbour-
hood of Swansea.'
It will thus be perceived, from the previous remarks, how great a
want of similarity the Coleoptera of Lundy Island displays to the spe-
cies observable on the opposite and nearest shore, and the peculiar
and striking resemblance which they bear to those abundant on the
more distant coast of Wales. Out of 153 species which I have my-
self captured within the small and barren compass of Lundy Island, I
have ascertained 109 to inhabit for certain the coast of Wales ; while,
from the common and universally distributed nature of the remaining
44, 1 have reason to believe that the whole 153 would, if properly
searched for, be found there in profusion. The above observations
will show how far different is the state of things along the northern
shores of Devonshire and Cornwall, which, although separated from
the land by so narrow a space, and, although Lundy is itself a portion,
both naturally and artificially, of the county of Devon, have neverthe-
less a Coleopterous Fauna utterly dissimilar, and, comparatively
speaking, peculiar to themselves. I attempt not to account for this
singular fact ; but it is certainly a very remarkable one, and, inas-
much as it may bear strongly on the general question of geographical
distribution, it is certainly worth recording.
Out of the 121 species, the result of my visit to the island in 1845,
I subjoin a list of the 88 already referred to, as being distinct from
those formerly recorded in the ' Zoologist ' (Zool. 899), and captured
during my first trip in 1844.
Dromius linearis Harpalus annulicornis
■ foveolus Ophonus puncticollis
Carabus granulatus Trechus fulvus
nemoralis minutus
Badister bipustulatus Notiophilus aquaticus
Omaseus affinis Hydroporus rufifrons
Steropus madidus erythrocephalus
Poecilus versicolor planus
Amara plebeia Colymbetes nebulosus
Insects.
1757
Laccobius minutus
Parnus prolefericornis
Limnebius ater
truncatellus
Cercyon bolitophagura
stercorarium
Leiodes rufa ?
Necrophorus Vestigator
Humator
Silpha tristis
Meligethes viridescens
Urticae
Cateretes Junci
glaber
pyrrhopus
Atomaria atricapilla
Corticaria crenulata
gibbosa
Latridius transversus
Byrrhus pilula
Aphodius Fossor
Geotrupes sylvaticus
Serica brannea
Adrastus limbatus
Agriotes sputator
lineatus
Dasytes caeruleus
Nedyus Erysimi
Ericae
Troglodites
Orobitis cyaneus
Rhinonchus Pericarpius
Hypera punctata
Otiorhyncbus rugifrons
ligneus
Tychius tomentosus
Strophosomus squamulatus
Sitona hispidula
puncticollis
Apion haematodes
Carduorum
flavipes
Rhynchites minutus
Crepidodera exoleta
Thyamis tabida
pratensis
Macrocnema Dulcamaras
Apteropeda graminis
Chrysomela Hyperici
Cryptocephalus ochraceus
Coccinella reppensis
Scymnus limbatus
Cteniopus sulphureus
Proscarabaeus violaceus
Aleochara lanuginosa
nitida
Tachyporus gracilis
pyrrhopterus
merdarius
obtusus
Hypnorum
Staphylinus aeneocephalus
Goerius olens
Philontbus lituratus
Raphirus semiobscurus
Boops
Xantholinus glabratus
Stenus impressus (Erichson)
Boops (Gyll.)
Oxytelus depressus
I ought to state that I am indebted for about half a dozen of these
species to the kindness of my friend, Mr. Hudson Heaven (the son of
the proprietor of the island), whose valuable assistance during my
stay in 1845, and whose after exertions in the cause in which I have
taken so much interest, it gives me the greatest pleasure to record.
T. V. Wollaston.
Jesus College, Cambridge.
1758 Animals of the Puna of Peru.
Animals of the Puna of Peru. — " But poor and scanty as is the vegetation of the
Puna, the Animal Kingdom is there richly and beautifully represented. Those re-
gions are the native home of the great Mammalia which Peru possessed before horses
and black cattle were introduced by the Spaniards. I allude to the llama and his con-
geners the alpaco, the huanacu, and the vicuna. On these interesting animals I will
subjoin a few observations. The two first are kept as domestic animals ; the llama
perfectly, and the alpaco partially tame.
" The llama measures from the sole of the hoof to the top of the head, 4 feet 6 to
8 inches ; from the sole of the hoof to the shoulders, from 2 feet 1 1 inches to 3 feet.
The female is usually smaller and less strong than the male, but her wool is finer and
better. The colour is very various ; generally brown, with shades of yellow or black ;
frequently speckled, but very rarely quite white or black. The speckled brown llama
is in some districts called the moromoro.
" The young llamas are left with the dam for about the space of a year, after which
time they are removed and placed with flocks. When about four years old, the males
and females are separated ; the former are trained to carry burdens, and the latter are
kept in the pastures of the level heights. Most of the flocks of llamas are reared in
the southern Puna provinces, viz. — Cuzco and Ayacucho ; and from thence they are
sent to the silver mines of North Peru. The price of a strong full-grown llama is from
three to four dollars ; but if purchased in flocks in the provinces above named, they
may be had for one and a half or two dollars each. Shortly after the conquest the
price of one of these animals was between eighteen and twenty ducats ; but the in-
crease of horses, males, and sheep, lowered their value. The burthen carried by the
llama should not exceed 125 lbs., and the animal is seldom laden with more than a
cwt. When the llama finds his burthen too heavy he lies down, and cannot be made
to rise until some portion of the weight is removed from his back. In the silver mines
the llamas are of the most important utility, as they frequently carry the metal from
the mines in places where the declivities are so steep that neither asses nor mules can
keep their footing.
" The Indians frequently proceed with large flocks of llamas to the coast, to pro-
cure salt. Their daily journeys are short, never exceeding three or four leagues ; for
the animals will not feed during the night, and therefore they are allowed to graze as
they go, or to halt for a few hours at feeding-time. When resting they make a pecu-
liar humming noise, which, when proceeding from a numerous flock at a distance, is
like a number of jEolian harps sounding in concert.
"A flock of laden llamas journeying over the table-lands is a beautiful sight.
They proceed at a slow and measured pace, gazing eagerly around on every side.
When any strange object scares them, the flock separates, and disperses in various di-
rections, and the arrieros have no little difficulty in reassembling them. The Indians
are very fond of these animals. They adorn them by tying bows of ribbon to their
ears, and hanging bells round their necks ; and before loading, they always fondle and
caress them affectionately. If during a journey, one of the llamas is fatigued and lies
down, the arriero kneels beside the animal, and addresses to it the most coaxing and
endearing expressions. But notwithstanding all the care and attention bestowed on
them, many llamas perish on every journey to the coast, as they are not able to bear
the warm climate.
" Some old travellers have stated that the Indians employ the llama for riding and
for draught ; but these accounts are quite erroneous. It sometimes happens that
Animals of the Puna of Peru. 1759
when crossing a river, an Indian lad, to avoid getting wet, may mount on the back of
one of the llamas ; but in such a case he immediately dismounts on reaching the op-
posite bank. The flesh of the llama is spongy and not agreeable in flavour. Its wool
is used for making coarse cloths.
" The alpaco, or paco, is smaller than the llama. It measures from the lower part
of the hoof to the top of the head only 3 feet 3 inches, and to the shoulders 2| feet.
In form it resembles the sheep, but it has a longer neck and a more elegant head.
The fleece of this animal is beautifully soft and very long ; in some parts it is four or
five inches in length. Its colour is usually either white or black ; but in some few
instances it is speckled. The Indians make blankets and ponchos of the alpaco wool.
It is also frequently exported to Europe, and it sells at a good price in England.
The alpacos are kept in large flocks, and throughout the whole of the year they graze
on the level heights. At shearing time only they are driven to the huts. They are in
consequence very shy, and they run away at the approach of a stranger. The ob-
stinacy of the alpaco is remarkable. When one of these animals is separated from
the flock, he throws himself on the ground, and neither force nor persuasion will in-
duce him to rise ; sometimes suffering the severest punishment rather than go the way
the driver wishes. Few animals seem to require so imperatively the companionship of
its own species, and it is only when brought to the Indian huts very young, that
the alpacos can be separated from their flocks.
" The largest animal of this family is the huanacu. It measures 5 feet from the
bottom of the hoof to the top of the head, and 3 feet 3 inches to the shoulders. In
form it so nearly resembles the llama, that, until a very recent period, zoologists were
of opinion that the llama was an improved species of the huanacu, and that the latter
was the llama in its wild state. In the ! Fauna Peruana ' I have explained the erro-
neousness of this opinion, and described the specific differences existing between the
two animals. On the neck, back, and thighs, the huanacu is of a uniform reddish-
brown colour. The under part of the body, the middle line of the breast, and the in-
ner side of the limbs are of a dingy white. The face is dark gray, and the lips of a
clear white. Of the huanacus there are not those varieties which are found among
the llamas and the alpacos. The wool is shorter and coarser than that of the llama,
and it is of nearly uniform length on all parts of the body.
" The huanacus live in small herds of five or seven, seldom exceeding the latter
number. In some districts they are very shy, and retreat when any one approaches.
If taken very young they may be tamed ; but they are always ready to fall back into
their wild state. It is with great difficulty they can be trained as beasts of burthen.
In the menageries of Europe huanacus brought from Chile are frequently represented
to be llamas.
" The vicuna is a more beautiful animal than any of those just described. Its
size is between that of the llama and the alpaco. It measures from the sole of the foot
to the top of the head 4 feet 1 inch, and 2{ feet to the shoulders. The neck is longer
and more slender than in either of the other relative species ; and from them the
vicuna is also distinguished by the superior fineness of its short curly wool. The
crown of the head, the upper part of the neck, the back, and thighs, are of a peculiar
reddish-yellow hue, called by the people of the country color de vicuna. The lower
part of the neck and the inner parts of the limbs are of a bright ochre colour, and the
breast and lower part of the body are white.
" During the rainy season the vicuna inhabits the ridges of the Cordillera, where
1 760 Animals of the Puna of Peru.
some scanty vegetation is to be found. It never ventures up to the naked rocky sum-
mits, for its hoofs, being accustomed only to turfy ground, are very soft and tender. It
lives in herds, consisting of from six to fifteen females, and one male, who is the pro-
tector and leader of the herd. Whilst the females are quietly grazing, the male stands
at the distance of some paces apart, and carefully keeps guard over them. At the ap-
proach of danger he gives a signal, consisting of a sort of whistling sound, and a quick
movement of the foot. Immediately the herd draws closely together, each animal
anxiously stretching out its head in the direction of the threatening danger. They
then take to flight ; first moving leisurely and cautiously, and then quickening their
pace to the utmost degree of speed ; whilst the male vicuna who covers the retreat fre-
quently halts, to observe the movements of the enemy. The females, with singular
fidelity and affection, reward the watchful care of their protector. If he is wounded
or killed, they gather round him in a circle, uttering their shrill tones of lamentation,
and they will suffer themselves *to be captured or killed rather than desert him by pur-
suing their flight. The neigh of the vicuna, like that of the other animals of its class,
resembles a short sharp whistle. But, when the shrill sound vibrates through the pure
Puna air, the practised ear can readily distinguish the cry of the vicuna from that of
the other animals of the same family.
" The Indians seldom employ fire-arms in hunting the vicunas. They catch them
by what they term the chacu. In this curious hunt, one man at least belonging to
each family in the Puna villages takes a part, and women accompany the train, to
officiate as cooks to the hunters. The whole company, frequently amounting to
seventy or eighty individuals, proceeds to the Altos (the most secluded parts of the
Puna), which are the haunts of the vicunas. They take with them stakes, and a great
quantity of rope and cord. A spacious open plain is selected, and the stakes are driven
into the ground in a circle, at intervals of from twelve to fifteen feet apart, and are
connected together by ropes fastened to them at the height of two or two and a half
feet from the ground. The circular space within the stakes is about half a league in
circumference, and an opening of about two hundred paces in width is left for en-
trance. On the ropes by which the stakes are fastened together the women hang pieces
of coloured rags, which flutter about in the wind. The chacu being fully prepared,
the men, some of whom are mounted on horseback, range about within a circuit of
several miles, driving before them all the herds of vicunas they meet with, and forcing
them into the chacu. When a sufficient number of vicunas is collected, the entrance
is closed. The timid animals do not attempt to leap over the ropes, being frightened
by the fluttering rags suspended from them, and, when thus secured, the Indians
easily kill them by the bolas. These bolas consist of three balls, composed either of
lead or stone, two of them heavy and the third rather lighter. They are fastened to
long, elastic strings, made of the twisted sinews of the vicuna, and the opposite ends
of the strings are all tied together. The Indian holds the lightest of the three balls in
his hand, and swings the two others in a wide circle above his head ; then taking his
aim at the distance of about fifteen or twenty paces, he lets go the hand-ball, upon
which all the three balls whirl in a circle, and twine round the object aimed at. The
aim is usually taken at the hind legs of the animals, and the cords twisting round
them they become firmly bound. It requires great skill and long practice to throw
the bolas dexterously, especially when on horseback : a novice in the art incurs the
risk of dangerously hurting either himself or his horse, by not giving the balls the pro-
per swing, or by letting go the hand-ball too soon.
Animals of the Puna of Peru. 1761
" The vicunas, after being secured by the bolas, are killed, and the flesh is distri-
tributed in equal portions among the hunters. The skins belong to the Church. The
price of a vicuna-skin is four reals. When all the animals are killed, the stakes, ropes,
&c, are packed up carefully, and conveyed to another spot some miles distant, where
the chacu is again fixed up. The hunting is continued in this manner for the space
of a week. The number of animals killed during that interval varies according to cir-
cumstances, being sometimes fifty or sixty, and at other times several hundred. Dur-
ing five days I took part in a chacu hunt in the Altos of Huayhuay, and in that space
of time one hundred and twenty-two vicunas were caught. With the money obtained
by the sale of the skins a new altar was erected in the church of the district. The
flesh of the vicuna is more tender and better flavoured than that of the llama. Fine
cloth and hats are made of the wool. When taken young, the vicunas are easily
tamed, and become very docile ; but when old, they are intractable and malicious.
At Tarma I possessed a large and very fine vicuna. It used to follow me like a dog
whenever I went out, whether on foot or on horseback.
" The frequent hunting seems not to have the effect of diminishing the num-
ber of these animals. If in the vicinity of the villages where chacus are frequently
established, they are less numerous than in other parts, it is because, to elude the pur-
suit of the hunters, they seek refuge 'in the Altos, where they are found in vast num-
bers. Several modern travellers have lamented the diminution of the vicunas, but
without reason. In former times these animals were hunted more actively than at
present.
" Under the dynasty of the Incas, when every useful plant and animal was an ob-
ject of veneration, the Peruvians rendered almost divine worship to the llama and his
relatives, which exclusively furnished them with wool for clothing, and with flesh
for food. The temples were adorned with large figures of these animals made of gold
and silver, and their forms were represented in domestic utensils made of stone or clay.
In the valuable collection of Baron Clemens von Hugel, at Vienna, there are four of
these vessels, composed of porphyry, basalt, and granite, representing the four species,
viz., the llama, the alpaco, the huanacu, and the vicuna. These antiquities are ex-
ceedingly scarce, and when I was in Peru I was unable to obtain any of them. How
the ancient Peruvians, without the aid of iron tools, were able to carve stone so beau-
tifully, is inconcievable.
" Besides the animals above-mentioned, several others peculiar to the Puna are
deserving of remark. Among these are the tarush (Cervus antisiensis, Orb.) ; the timid
roe, which inhabits the high forests skirting the Andes; the viscacha (Lagidium
peruanum, May, and L. pallipes, Berm.), and the chinchilla (Eriomys Chinchilla,
Licht.), whose skin supplies the beautiful fur so much prized by the ladies of Europe.
The viscachas and chinchillas resemble the rabbit in form and colour, but they have
shorter ears and long rough tails. They live on the steep rocky mountains, and in the
morning and evening they creep out from their holes and crevices to nibble the Alpine
grasses. At night the Indians set before their holes traps made of horse-hair, in which
the animals are easily caught. The -most remarkable of the beasts of prey in these
high regions is the atoc (Canis Azarce, Pr. Max.). It is a species of fox, which is
found throughout the whole of South America. The warmer Puna valleys are inha-
bited by the cougar (Felis concolor, L.), or as the Indians call it, the poma. When
driven by hunger, this animal ventures into the loftiest Puna regions, even to the
boundary of eternal snow. The wild hucumari (Ursus ornatus, F. Cuv.) but seldom
1762 Animals of the Puna of Peru.
wanders into the cold Puna. The hucumari is a large black bear, with'a white muzzle,
and light coloured stripes on the breast.
" Of the numerous Puna birds, the majority of which may be classed as water-
fowl, I will notice only a few of the most characteristic. Next to the condor, the most
remarkable bird of prey is the huarahuau, or the aloi (Polyborus megalopterus, Cob.) ;*
one of the gyr-falcon species. This bird, which is a constant inhabitant of the level
heights, preys on the carcases of dead horses, mules, &c, but never attempts to meddle
with living animals. It is very harmless, and has so little timidity that it suffers it-
self to be approached near enough to be knocked down with a stick. The acali or
pito (Calaptes rupicola, Orb.) flutters about the mountains ; it is a woodpecker, brown-
speckled, with a yellow belly. This bird is seen in very great numbers, and it is diffi-
cult to imagine how it procures food in the Puna, where there are no insects. All the
other woodpecker species exclusively confine themselves to woody regions.
" The thickets of rushy grass are inhabited by the pishacas, or yutu, a species of
partridge (Tinamotis Pentlandii, Vig.) which the Indians catch by dogs. These dogs
of the Puna Indians are a peculiar race (Canis Inga, Tsch.). They are distinguished
by a small head, a pointed muzzle, small erect ears, a tail curling upwards, and a
thick shaggy skin. They are in a half-wild state, and very surly and snappish. They
furiously attack strangers, and even after having received a deadly wound, they will
crawl along the ground, and make an effort to bite. To white people they appear to
have a particular antipathy ; and sometimes it becomes rather a venturous undertak-
ing for a European traveller to approach an Indian hut, for these mountain-dogs
spring up to the sides of the horse and try to bite the rider's legs. They are snarlish
and intractable even to their masters, who are often obliged to enforce obedience by
the help of a stick. Yet these dogs are very useful animals for guarding flocks,
and they have a keen scent for the pishacas, which they catch and kill with a single
bite.
" There is a very curious little bird in the Puna, about the size of a starling. Its
plumage is exceedingly pretty, being on the back brown, striped with black ; on the
throat gray, with two dark stripes, and on the breast white. This bird has the re-
markable peculiarity of making a monotonous sound at the close of every hour during
the night. The Indians call it the Ingahuallpa, or cock of the Inga (Thirocerus
Ingce, Tsch.), and they associate many superstitious notions with its regular hourly
cry. The Puna morasses and lagunas are animated by numerous feathered inhabi-
tants. Among them is the huachua (Chloephaga melanoptera, Eyt.), a species of goose.
The plumage of the body is dazzlingly white, the wings green, shading into brilliant
violet, and the feet and beak of a bright red. The licli (Charadrius resplendens, Tsch.)
is a plover, whose plumage in colour is like that of the huachua, but with a sort of
metallic brightness. There are two species of ibis which belong to the Puna, though
they are occasionally seen in some of the lower valleys. One is the bandurria ( The-
Hstocus melanopis, Wagl.), and the other is the yanahuico (Ibis Ordi, Bonap.). On
the lagunes swim large flocks of quiullas (Larus serranus, Tsch.), white mews, with
black heads and red beaks, and the gigantic water-hen (Fulica gigantea, Soul.). The
plumage of the latter is a dark gray, and at the root of the red beak there is a large
yellow blotch, in the form of a bean, whence the Indians give this bird the name of
anash sinqui, or * bean nose.' Among the few Amphibia found in these region one is
* Phalcoboenus montanus, Orb.
Animals of Valparaiso. 1763
particularly remarkable. It is a small kind of toad (Leiuperus viridis, Tsch.), and in-
habits the boundaries of perpetual snow.
" The grasses of the Puna are used as fodder, and in many of the sheltered valleys
there are farms (haciendas de ganado) where large herds of cattle are reared. The
owners of some of these farms possess several thousand sheep, and from four to five
hundred cows. During the rainy season the cattle are driven into the Altos. They
graze in those high regions, often at the altitude of 15,000 feet above the sea. When
the frost sets in they are brought down to the marshy valleys, and they suffer much
from insufficiency of pasture. From the wool of the sheep a coarse kind of cloth,
called bayeata, is made in the Sierra. Some of the wool is exported, and is much
prized in Europe. The old black cattle and sheep are slaughtered, and their flesh,
when dried, is the principal food of the inhabitants of the Puna, particularly of the
mining population. The dried beef is called charqui, and the mutton is called cha-
lona. The bulls graze in the remote Altos, and most of them are reserved for the bull-
fights in the Sierra villages. As they seldom see a human being they become exceed-
ingly wild ; so much so that the herdsmen are often afraid to approach them. In the
daytime they roam about marshy places, and at nightfall they retire for shelter beneath
some overhanging rock. These animals render travelling in many parts of the Puna
extremely dangerous, for they often attack people so suddenly as to afford no time for
defence. It is true they usually aunounce their approach by a deep bellow ; but the
open plain seldom presents any opportunity for escape. On several occasions a well-
aimed shot alone saved me from the attacks of one of these ferocious bulls." — TschudVs
Travels in Peru.
Zoology of Valparaiso. — " The zoology of the neighbourhood of Valparaiso is not
very interesting, though more so along the sea-shore than in parts further inland.
Among the Mammalia are sometimes seen the fox (Canis azarce, Willd.) and the pole-
cat. In the immediate vicinity of the town a very large mouse is seen in the burrows
of the ground; it is of the eight-toothed species (Octodon Cumingii, Ben.), and has
a brush-formed tail. As the fields round Valparaiso are not cultivated these animals
do no harm, otherwise they would be the plague of agriculture, and probably are so in
the interior parts of the country. Now and then a sea-dog may be observed in the
bay; but the whale is seldom seen, and whenever one appears he is immediately
killed, as there is always a whaler at anchor, and not far off.
" In the market, live condors are frequently sold. These birds are caught in traps.
A very fine one may be purchased for a dollar and a half. I saw eight of these gigan-
tic birds secured in a yard in a very singular manner. A long narrow strap of leather
was passed through the nostrils of the bird and firmly knotted at one end, whilst the
other end was fastened to a wooden or iron peg fixed in the ground. By this means
the motion of the bird was not impeded ; it could walk within the range of a tolerably
wide circle, but on attempting to fly it fell to the ground head foremost. It is no tri-
fling matter to provide food for eight condors ; for they are amongst the most raven-
ous of birds of prey. The owner of those I saw assured me that, by way of experi-
ment, he had given a condor, in the course of one day, eighteen pounds of meat (con-
sisting of the entrails of oxen), that the bird devoured the whole, and ate his allowance
on the following day with as good an appetite as usual. I measured a very large male
condor, and the width from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other was fourteen
English feet and two inches, an enormous expanse of wing, not equalled by any other
bird except the white albatross (Diomedea exulans, Linn.). The snipes (Scolopax
1764 Animals in the Bay of Callao.
frenata, 111.), found on the little plain between the hay and the light-house, are in colour
precisely like those of Europe, from which, however, they differ in having two more
feathers in their tails. Small green parrots, little bigger than finches, are tamed and
brought to Valparaiso from the interior of the country. These parrots are very docile,
and are easily taught to speak ; but they cannot endure cold, and require to be tended
with very great care. In the bay itself there are numerous cormorants, and occasion-
ally penguins and large flights of the cut-water or shear-bill (Rhynchops nigra, Linn.).
The latter is distinguished by a sharp-pointed bill closing laterally, the under man-
dible being about double the length of the upper one. But the most beautiful bird in
the Bay of Valparaiso is the majestic swan {Cygnus nigricollis, Mol.), whose body is of
dazzling white, whilst the head and neck are black.''— Id.
Zoology of Chiloe. — " In the interior of the island of Chiloe there are few quadru-
peds. The largest, the domestic animals excepted, is a fox (Canis fulvipes, Wat.),
which was first discovered by the naturalists who accompanied Captain King's expedi-
tion; This is the only beast of prey. The coast abounds in seals of the sea-dog spe-
cies (Otaria chilensis, Mull., Otaria Ursini, Per., Otaria jubata, Desm.), in sea-otters,
(Otaria chilensis, Ben.), and in the water-mouse (Myopotamus coypns, I. Geoff.).
Among the birds, there are some very fine species of ducks, well worthy of notice,
which are also found on the continent of South America. There is the little cheucau
(Pteroptochus rubecula, Kettl.), to which the Chilotes attach various superstitious ideas,
and pretend to foretel good or ill luck from its song. The modulations which this
bird is capable of uttering are numerous, and the natives assign a particular meaning
to each. One day, when I wished to have some shooting, I took an Indian lad with
me. Having levelled my gun at one of these birds, which was sitting in a low hush,
and uttering its shrill ' huit-huit,' my young companion firmly grasped my arm, ear-
nestly entreating me not to shoot the bird, as it had sung its unlucky note. But my
desire to possess a specimen was too great to be thus baffled, so I fired my gun and
brought it down. I was engaged in examining this elegant little bird, when a mule,
probably alarmed by the shot, came running at full speed towards the spot where we
were, and we deemed it prudent to get behind a hedge as speedily as possible. The
infuriated mule made an attack on my gun, which was resting against the hedge. It
was thrown down, bitten, and trampled on by the mule. The Indian boy turned to
me with a serious countenance, and said, ' It is well if we escape further danger, — I
told you the bird had piped bad luck ! ' " — Id.
Animals in the Bay of Callao. — " The lover of Natural History finds in the bay of
Callao numerous opportunities for gratifying his curiosity. The Mammalia are not
very numerous. Sea-otters and sea-dogs are found there, as on all parts of the South
American coast. Two species, (the Otaria aurita, Humb., and the O. Ulloa, Tsch.)
inhabit the southern declivity of the Fronton. I went to hunt seals on the rock with
the officers of a French ship of war. When we landed, which was difficult on account
of the breakers, we fired at the animals and killed a number of them. A sailor waded
through the breakers and bound the dead seals with a rope, by which he drew them on
board. As we shot a great number of birds, the Chilian admiral on hearing the firing,
thought that one of his ships must be engaged with the Peruvian corsairs ; and,
therefore, sent out the ' San Lorenzo ' brig-of-war to see what was going on.
" The bay abounds in fine water-fowl. Amongst the most remarkable is Hum-
boldt's penguin (Spheniscus Hurnboldtii, Mey.). A few are smaller than the common
gray penguin, and one is somewhat different in colour on the back and breast. The
Animals in the Bay of Callao. 1765
Peruvians call it paxaro nine-, or * child-bird.' It is easily tamed, becomes very social,
and follows its master like a dog. It is amusing to see it waddling along with its
plump body and short legs, and keeping itself in equilibrium by moving its floating
wings. I had one completely tame, which I bought from an Indian. It was named
Pepe, and it answered readily to the name. When I was at my meals he regularly
placed himself beside my chair, and at night he slept under my bed. When he
wished to bathe he went into the kitchen and beat with his bill on an earthen
pan until somebody threw water over him, or brought him a vessel full of water for a
bath.
" I brought away a few of the marine birds which appeared the most remarkable.
Among them was the banded cormorant (Carbo Gaimardi, Less.). On the back it is
gray, marbled by white spots ; the belly is fine ash-gray, and on each side of the
throat there runs a broad white stripe or band: the bill is yellow and the feet are red :
the iris is peculiar, I never saw its like in any other bird ; it changes throughout the
whole circle in regular square spots, white and sea-green. Thousands of the spotted
gannet (Sula variegata, Tsch.) inhabit the rocks of the island of San Lorenzo. This
bird is the greatest producer of guano. The inca tern (Sterna luca, Less.) is without
doubt the finest of the whole tern family. The colour of the head is brown-gray, get-
ting darker towards the tail, and brighter on the lower body. From the root of the
bill on either side there shoot out some white feathers, slightly curving, so that they
give the appearance of white mustachios. Among the land birds are some very fine
colibri (Trochilus Amazilia and T. cora, Less.). The horse-protector (Crotophaga sul-
cata, Swains.) is a singular animal. It is about the size of a starling, with a short
compressed and curved bill, having several deep furrows along its sides : the tail is
long and fan-shaped: the whole body is of a deep blue colour, with a slight metallic
brightness. The bird is very social with cattle of all kinds, and more particularly
with horses. It is fond of perching on the back of a horse or an ass and searching for
insects, which it finds there in abundance. These animals are very sensible of the ser-
vice thus rendered to them, and by the manner in which they move about when the bird
is perched on their heads or necks, show how much they are gratified by its presence.
" Foreigners, when they visit the coast of Peru for the first time, are much sur-
prised at the immense number of birds of the vulture species which they meet with
about the roads and on the roofs of the houses. In Callao and in all other ports,
the Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura, Illig.) is frequently seen. It is called by the
Spaniards gallinazo a cabeza Colorado, or * red-headed vulture.' Further in the in-
terior of the country it is frequently seen, though there it is less common than the
black gallinazo (Cathartes f ceteris, Illig.). The colour of the former is dark brownish-
black ; the unplumed head and throat are red ; the throat is full of wrinkles and warts.
The latter is very like it in size and colour, only the head and neck are grayish-black.
These birds are the size of a turkey-cock ; but they are lanker and more angular in
form. The black-headed gallinazo is inactive, heavy, and seldom flies far. When
seeking food he hops about on the ground in short regular springs. When he wishes
to move faster forward he helps himself with his wings, but without flying. Its cry is
seldom heard, and never long continued. At noon, sometimes from sixty to eighty of
these birds perch themselves on the tops of the houses or on the adjoining walls, and
with the head under the wing they all go to roost. They are extremely voracious, and
devour every sort of animal substance they can find, however filthy it may be. They
are not in the least degree shy, for they hop about among men and cattle in the most
v 2d
1 766 Quadrupeds.
populous places. The turkey-vulture is far more lively, and its movements are more
light. It flies faster, and continues longer on the wing than the black-headed galli-
nazo. It is, however, more timid. It nestles in sandy rocks and uninhabited islands.
The female lays three or four whitish eggs, which are hatched in February and March.
The common gallinazo usually builds its nest on the tops of houses, churches, ruins,
and high walls. The female lays three or four eggs, which are whitish-brown and
speckled, and are hatched in the same months as the eggs of the turkey-vulture.
" Among the Amphibia of Callao, the iguana and land agama are numerous.
Snakes abound in the low bushes at the mouth of the Rinac, and some kinds, which
are venemous, live on the arid sand-banks. All the sea-tortoises have been driven out
of the bay, and now inhabit the detached creeks of the uninhabited parts of the
coast.
" The kinds of fish are numerous. Sharks, rays, balancers, corvinas, bonitos, &c.,
are caught in abundance. Most of the corvinas and bonitos are carried to market.
The flesh of the latter is firm, dry, and less savoury than the corvina. The pexe-rey,
or ' king fish ' is superior in flavour to the pexe-sapo, or ' toad-fish,' which is a little
larger, and has a thick fleshy head. These fish are taken on rocks and under water,
where they are struck by a kind of harpoon-hooks and drawn out." — TschudVs Travels
in Peru.
Habits of a Bat in Confinement. — I think I mentioned to you a bat which I suc-
ceeded in taming ; if the following particulars of it will afford you a few minutes'
amusement I shall be amply repaid for my trouble in communicating them to you.
The little creature was picked up late in the autumn of 1846, when insects began to
be scarce, apparently crippled from some accident, and from being the most irascible
little animal possible, it became by merely putting two or three small pieces of butter
into its mouth, all at once perfectly tame. It would follow a fly held between the fin-
gers ; crawl or hop across the table and upon our hands or aims with the greatest
effrontery. It would look as wistfully for food as though it had been brought up a
pet. One of our amusements was (before putting it into its box) to nip off part of the
wing of a living fly and watch his mode of attack, which was very fierce. If it missed
its aim, its next tactic was to use its long arm, to get it under its body : it would turn
and curl the membranous part of its tail inwards, forming a complete sack, into which,
if it succeeded in getting its prey, it would thrust its head for the purpose of capture.
But if, as it most frequently happened, the insect was only caught by a wing, then it
would most adroitly kick it into its mouth with one of its hinder feet, its fore-arm be-
ing too long for the purpose. It would eat wood-lice when its favourite food, flies,
could not be obtained ; but an earwig was its utter abomination, at which it would
set up the hair of its back, draw in its nose, and exhibit signs of extreme disgust.
When in a dormant state, it was soon revived by the warmth of the hand, or by being
brought near the fire ; or if the room was warm, it would soon let us know that it was
alive. If its revival was brought about by too hasty means, it would tremble violently
with strong palpitations, refusing for some time any proffered food, and evidently suf-
fered very much. When aroused it would generally eat about twenty flies (and the
larger sort it was equally fond of), preferring them to everything else. It was evident,
however, that nature required something else, as it remained poor, and made none of
Quadrupeds. 1767
that fatty tissue which overlays the whole upper part of the back in winter, and which
is clearly a wise provision to sustain life and warmth during the torpidity of the long
winter months. It drank but little ; now and then it would take a drop of milk from
the tip of the finger. After eating it used to lick its jaw with great satisfaction, and
after awakening it invariably uttered a shrill cry before it seized the first mouthful.
One day, after the winter had set in, being called upon to exhibit its antics for the
amusement of some ladies, its legarthic slumbers were broken too quickly, and too in-
cautiously, and although as lively as usual, it did not resume its hibernation so soon as
heretofore. Alas ! it was its last display. Nature's laws will not be broken with im-
punity, and in a few days it had shared the fate of all pets, and now nothing remains
of it but its effigy.
Description.
in. lin.
Length of Head and Body 1 9
„ Head only 0 6
Tail 1 1}
„ Ears 0 3
„ Tragus 0 2\
Breadth of Ears 0 3
Tragus 0 1|
„ Fore Arm 1 3
Thumb 0 If
Extent of Wing 7 3
Muzzle short : nose strongly notched in front, covered with rather long hair,
slight protuberance on each side : eyes very small, no wart of any kind above : ear
somewhat triangular, notched nearly half way from the head : tragus rather broader at
base, and rather obtuse : fur extremely silky, black, except the tips, which are dark
reddish-brown above, and on the under parts a shade or two paler.
This description, although nearly agreeing with Vespertilio pipistrellus, appears to
differ from that species in the following items : —
Less extent of wings, — no wart over the eyes, — less notched ears, — and the fur
being black throughout except the tips.
As bats bring forth their young in the earliest spring, I did hope it had been a
female, but dissection proved the contrary. — Joseph Clark ; * Saffron Walden, April
30th, 1847.
Voracity of the Mole. — A few weeks since, when walking in the country, I surprised
a mole, which had ventured out of his burrow, and had slipped into a wheel-rut. The
capture was easily made, and wishing to witness the rapid manner in which such ani-
mals can work themselves into the ground, I determined to take it home, and thrust
my captive into a middling-sized pocket, of what is usually termed a shooting-jacket.
Few persons are aware ot the great power possessed by this creature in its fore-paws,
and it requires considerable pressure to hold it in the hand. If the snout is inserted
between the finger and thumb (and this is done with great address) the body is in a
moment forced from the palm of the hand, by the application of these powerful limbs.
I found it continually endeavouring to escape by clambering to the upper part of the
pocket, and only by holding the top together did I prevent its getting out. In an ad-
* Communicated by C. R. Bree, Esq., of Stowmarket.
1768 Quadrupeds.
joining field I caught a field-mouse, and without thinking of the probable consequences
of a disagreement of the parties, I thrust the poor little innocent into the same pocket.
The mole greeted the new comer with a savage grin, and both fell to the bottom of
the pocket, when there soon occurred a regular rumpus between them. In about an
hour I reached my home, and intending to place the animals in a birds's cage, my as-
tonishment was great indeed to find, that nothing remained of the poor mouse but the
head and fore legs, with a few of its ribs. However, I thrust the mole into the cage,
and placed it upon a table with a lamp beside it, which threw a strong light into it.
The mole showed no signs of fear, but applied his powerful fore paws to the wires of
the cage, which he bent with the greatest ease, making most desperate efforts to escape.
I then placed the remains of the mouse in the cage, and the ferocious creature pounced
upon it immediately, and with ravenous eagerness cracked his victim's bones, and soon
finished his meal, not in the least heeding the close proximity of several persons, who
with myself were much surprised at his boldness. The creature escaped from the cage
the next morning, and has managed to keep concealed in a walled yard, with a wood
house, where I expect some day to find some traces of his presence. — W. H. Bensted ;
Maidstone, February , 1847.
Anecdote of a Hedgehog. — I send the following account of a hedgehog (Erinaceus
Europceus, Linn.) if you think it worth inserting in the 'Zoologist.' It shows that
opportunities are sometimes afforded for observing the habits and manners of the wild
animals if proper precautions are used. In passing along a walk through a wood, the
other day, I observed at a short distance from the walk a hedgehog, busily occupied in
searching for food amongst the grass, dry leaves, &c. in the wood ; the little animal
soon appeared to detect my presence, but after snuffing the air for a few moments,
seemed satisfied that there was no cause for alarm, and continued its search for food;
I remained motionless in the walk, and presently the animal came into the walk,
and passed across it to my feet and commenced licking my boot. — H. J. I. Brydges ;
Bonitibrooke, April 23rd, 1847.
Food of the Water-Rat. — Perambulating yesterday, I chanced upon a water-rat,
squatted in a luxuriant bed of coarse young grass which forms an island in the middle
of a brook: he was eating the fresh grass- piles with great diligence, biting them off
skilfully at the base, and eating upwards, exactly as a rabbit is wont to do. I was
within two yards of him, and he allowed me to watch him very coolly, continuing his
feast. — Henry Daniells ; Exon, April 22nd, 1847.
White variety of the Field Vole (Arvicola agrestis). — A few weeks since I obtained
a freshly killed specimen of what appeared to me to be a new species of vole ; however,
on examination, I cannot find sufficient difference to justify that supposition. Never-
theless, I will state my reasons for thinking it distinct, as it is quite possible that
other collectors may meet with similar individuals. The general colour is white, but
notalbinoism, the fur having more the appearance of being changed by season, as is
known to be the case with the alpine hare. Indeed, the colour nearly resembles that
of the latter species, being grizzled with gray along the whole length of the back.
The colour of the back of a field vole is brown, and therefore we might expect the mix-
ture in the variety I speak of, to be of that colour instead of gray. The fur also ap-
pears to be of a coarser kind than in the specimens of A. agrestis which I have
examined. I am quite unable to give any authentic measurements, as it had been
preserved — that is, mutilated — by a country stuffer before I received it. Professor
Bell, in his ' British Quadrupeds,' states the ears of A. agrestis to be five inches, this
Birds. 1769
of course must be an oversight, five lines is the length of the ears, as stated by Jenyns,
in his ' Manual.' A friend of mine had a black variety of either A. agrestis or A.
riparia (Yarrell), both of which species are common here. He was a very knowing
fellow, and I should think he must have had an intuitive knowledge of my scapel and
dissecting forceps, for he very cleverly contrived his escape only a few hours before
the time appointed for him to come into my possession. — R. F. Tomes ; Stratford-on-
Avon, May 8th, 1847.
Ornithological and other Observations, in Norfolk for the month of April, 1847.
In our observations for the month of January last (Zool. 1691) we mentioned the
appearance at Brooke of a bird, supposed to be the snowy owl. We have now to an-
nounce the capture of a specimen of that species, which, judging from the time and
place of its first appearance, as mentioned below, is probably the same bird which had
been previously noticed.
We are indebted to F. M. Spalding, Esq., in whose possession the bird now is, for
the following particulars "of its occurrence : — " It was first observed," says Mr. Spald-
ing, at Heddenham Wood, and when first seen there, was remarkably tame. It visited
a farm-house and barn at Thwaite, where some white pigeons were kept, all of which
soon after disappeared. While shooting at Tindal Wood, this owl came over us, but
at too great a distance to be brought down ; from this time I heard no more of our
northern visitor till I was told that a bird of this kind had been shot at St. Andrews,
in Suffolk, by a person named Adams, and carried by him alive to Bungay. I shortly
after visited St. Andrews, and obtained a sight of the bird, which seemed perfectly well,
with the exception of a broken wing. It was shot from the stump of a pollard elm,
whence it had been seen to dart down into the field, and then to return to its perch.
It had been observed in the locality for several days, and was shot on the 19th of
February, and brought to my house dead on the 13th of April. It proved to
be a large female, in rather dark plumage, and measured two feet in length, and five
feet in extent of the wings." It, therefore, appears that this owl had remained about
a month in the district before it was shot.
A female of the lesser spotted woodpecker occurred early in the month at Blick-
ling, the locality referred to in our last notice as favourable for this species.
We may also notice the (somewhat late) appearance of the male of the common
pochard on the 19th of April; of an avocet, at Salthouse, on the 24th ; and of the
ring ousel, and the wood sandpiper, at Yarmouth, at the end of the month.
On the 27th of April, a solitary male specimen of the Barbastelle bat (Barbastellus
Daubentonii, Bell), a species which we believe has not been before noticed to have
occurred in Norfolk, was found at Easton, behind the bark of a pollard oak. The in-
activity of this bat is mentioned by Mr. Bell, in his work on the British Quadrupeds ;
and the specimen which we have mentioned, although taken so late as § past 6, p.m.,
was almost torpid. It had several minute orange-coloured ticks or acari imbedded in
the skin at the outer edge of each ear.
With reference to Mr. Newton's notice (Zool. 1693), of the occurrence of the
barred woodpecker, at Barningham, may we be allowed to inquire whethe'r Picus
1770 Birds.
major or Picus minor was the species captured ? — J. H. Gurnet/, William R. Fisher ;
May, 1847.
Notes on the Partial Migration of Birds in Roxburghshire. — Many of our resident
birds are in some measure migratory and shift their quarters, at certain seasons in
most cases, but in others at uncertain periods. To trace these movements is, undoubt-
edly, an interesting occupation, and, as our Editor requests contributions on the sub-
ject, I shall put together the observations I have made in this locality, following the
footsteps of Mr. Hepburn (Zool. 1332), and Mr. Briggs (Zool. 1470).
Of the few birds of prey which frequent this district, I am unable to record any-
thing decided as to partial migration. The range of this order of birds is so extensive,
and their habits and food require such long excursions and frequent changes of resi-
dence, that it is difficult to ascertain their movements with any degree of certainty :
their wild and wary nature, also in great measure, precludes accurate observations.
The first bird I 'shall mention as a partial migrant is the missel thrush. After
rearing their broods in the neighbourhood of man, these birds collect into Hocks, and
in the autumn months are to be found on moors and in upland districts, where they
feed upon the berries of the mountain-ash and other wild fruits. During winter, a
straggler is occasionally seen in severe weather, but the main body do not again ap-
pear till after the turn of the year, when their wild notes may be heard re-echoing
through the leafless woods in every part of the country. They have generally paired
when they return.
The song thrush also leaves this district for a time in the depth of winter, gene-
rally in the month of November, and returns with the first mild weather in spring. I
have recorded this fact in a previous volume of the ' Zoologist' (Zool. 493), and my
friend, Mr. Hepburn has ascertained a similar migration in East Lothian. These
birds, are, however, not very regular in their departure and arrival, being much influ-
enced by the state of the weather.
The gray and pied wagtails (Motacilla boarula and Yarellii), both leave this dis-
trict in winter, and their summer haunts may then be visited repeatedly without a
bird of either species being seen. At times, however, a straggler appears in the neigh-
bourhood of houses during the winter, but soon disappears again. In spring (generally
in the end of March), these birds return and breed by our streams and rivers.
Another partial migrant is the meadow pipit, which in this locality breeds chiefly
on moors and uplands, and is seldom found in the lower grounds. Tt leaves us in Oc-
tober, and does not return till March or April, when I have sometimes seen large
flocks, apparently just arrived from their winter quarters. These birds are often a
great nuisance to shooters in autumn, frequenting stubbles and turnip-fields in great
numbers, and, especially in the latter, deceiving the dogs.
The skylark migrates similarly to the meadow pipit, and there are none to be found
in our fields from November to March, save perchance now and then a straggler.
Their arrival and departure are, however, by no means certain, and are greatly influ-
enced by the mildness or severity of the season.
The reed-bunting is not an abundant species here, but is generally distributed.
Most of those which breed with us leave us at the approach of winter, but a few are
occasionally found associating with chaffinches and yellow-buntings, in the vicinity of
farm-yards throughout that period.
The goldfinch is a rare bird in this locality, but flocks arc sometimes seen in au-
tumn, feeding upon thistles, in the level haughs or commons by the Teviot. Mr.
Birds. 1771
Newman states (Zool. 983), that the goldfinches which breed in Herefordshire dis-
appear during winter ; and I suspect that this bird makes wide and extended changes
of abode, which may perhaps be owing to the peculiar nature of its food, principally
seeds of syngenesious plants.
The common linnet collects into flocks at the approach of winter, but does not fre-
quent homesteads or farm-yards like other Fringillidae. Sometimes I have met with
small parties in severe weather, feeding on the seeds of ragwort, or black knapweed
(Centaurea nigra), but in general, linnets are not seen with us during winter. In early
spring, however, flocks occasionally appear.
The siskin and the lesser redpoll may be classed together as irregular visitants to
this district. The habits of these two species are very similar, and they only appear at
uncertain periods, generally in winter or early spring. I have seen redpolls so late as
the end of April, when they fed on the seeds of the larch. Neither of these birds
breeds here.
The starling may be termed a summer visitant in this locality, a few pairs appear-
ing in spring to breed. In autumn large flocks are occasionally seen, frequenting
large open fields, but in winter none are visible. The starling is rather a rare bird
here, and affects particular localities, being by no means generally distributed.
The golden plover, the lapwing, and the curlew visit our moors and uplands to
breed, appearing in March or April, and leaving us in autumn. Curlews are the
first to depart, generally disappearing in the month of August. Golden plovers re-
main till October, and are to be seen in large flocks in August and September, fre-
quenting bare places on upland moors. Lapwings also collect into large flocks and
remain somewhat later, resorting to large open fields in the lower districts of the
county, where I have sometimes observed them so late as November.
The common sandpiper breeds by our streams and rivers in abundance, almost
every stream having several pairs of these birds stationed at intervals on its banks.
They leave us early in autumn.
The ring-dotterel is also a summer visitant here, appearing in April or May, but
it is by no means a common bird, and is only to be found by large rivers where exten-
sive gravel-beds abound. It is somewhat a nocturnal bird, and I have observed it fly-
ing about and uttering its plaintive note, while fishing in the Teviot by night. It also
departs early in autumn.
I have not observed any partial migrations of Natatorial birds, save that of the
black-headed gull, which breeds at Ancrum Moss, in this neighbourhood in abun-
dance. These birds appear in March, and leave us again in the end of July. In the
first volume of the ' Zoologist ' (Zool. 245) I have given a short description of the
habits of the black -headed gull.
Other species of gulls are occasionally observed by our rivers, but make no stay.
In severe weather, goosanders, golden-eyes, and teals are to be found on our larger ri-
vers, but other ducks are rare, except the common wild duck, which is a constant
resident.
I have thus gone over our common birds whi'h may be considered as partial mi-
grants, and have stated my own observations pa their movements, and the times of
their arrival and departure. I trust that there remarks will call forth responses from
other parts of the kingdom, and that, ere long, we shall have the history of the migra-
tions and shiftings of the interesting inhabitants of the woods and fields more accu-
1772 Birds.
rately determined and traced than it is at present.— Archibald Jerdon ; Roxburghshire,
May 8th, 1847.
Curious Ornithological Record. — A very curious fact touching the former orni-
thology of Middlesex, and the economy of London, is mentioned by the old naturalist,
Charles Clusuis, in a note to his translation of the works of the French ornithologist,
Pierre Belon : as I have never seen it recorded anywhere else, it may perhaps be
worth inserting in the ' Zoologist : ' —
" Vix majorem in Cairo milviorum frequentiam conspici existimo, quam Londini
Trenobantium in Britannid, qui nullo non anni tempore frequentissimi istic apparent,
cum eos enim interficere vetitum sit, ut spurcitiem in plateas, vel etiam ipsum flumen
Thamesin qui urbem alluit ab incolis ejectum, legant et devorent ; maxima quantitate
ed confluent, adeoque cicures redduntur, ut per coufectos etiam homines praedam ab
ipsis in alto volantibus conspectara, comissere non vereantur, quod saepenumero dum
istic essem, admiratus sum." — Opera C. Clusii,p. 108,
Clusius visited England about the reign of Charles 1st, and a fact like this of daily
occurrence, and therefore little likely to be recorded by a native of London, would
strike a foreigner as remarkable. Now, as the kite is becoming one of our rarer birds,
and is hardly ever seen in the neighbourhood of London, this reminiscence of its former
frequency, when a welcome guest, and before the deadly invention of the modern fowl-
ing-piece, had rendered the wings even of this powerful bird but a poor safe-guard,
may not be unwelcome to ornithologists. — Charles Prentice ; 1, Oxford Villas, Chelten-
ham, April 13*A, 1847.
The Condor. — " In these sterile heights Nature withholds her fostering influence
alike from vegetable and animal life. The scantiest vegetation can scarcely draw nu-
triment from the ungenial soil, and animals shun the dreary and shelterless wilds.
The condor alone finds itself in its native elemeut amidst these mountain deserts. On
the inaccessible summits of the Cordillera this bird builds its nest, and hatches its
young in the months of April and May. Few animals have obtained so universal a
celebrity as the condor. That bird was known in Europe, at a period when his native
land was numbered among those fabulous regions which are regarded as the scenes of
imaginary wonders. The most extravagant accounts of the condor were written and
read, and general credence was granted to every story which travellers brought from
the fairy land of gold and silver. It was only at the commencement of the present
century that Humboldt overthrew the extravagant notions that previously prevailed
respecting the size, strength, and habits of this extraordinary bird.
"The full-grown condor measures, from the point of the beak to the end of the
tail, from four feet, ten inches, to five feet ; and from the tip of one wing to the tip of
the other, from twelve to thirteen feet. This bird feeds chiefly on carrion : it is
only when impelled by hunger that he seizes living animals, and even then only the
small and defenceless, such as the young of sheep, vicunas, and llamas. He cannot
raise great weights with his feet, which, however, he uses to aid his beak. The
principal strength of the condor lies in his neck and in his feet; yet he cannot, when
flying, carry a weight exceeding tight or ten pounds. All accounts of sheep and
calves being carried off by condors aru mere exaggerations. This bird passes a great
part of the day in sleep, and hovers in ■nuest of prey chiefly in the morning and eve-
ning. Whilst soaring at a height beyonJ the reach of human eyes the sharp-sighted
condor discerns his prey on the level heighis beneath him, and darts down upon it with
Birds. 1773
the swiftness of lightning. When a bait is laid, it is curious to observe the number of
condors which assemble in a quarter of an hour, in a spot near which not one had
been previously visible. These birds possess the sense of sight and smell in a singu-
larly powerful degree.
" Some old travellers, Ulloa among others, have affirmed that the plumage of the
condor is invulnerable to a musket-ball. This absurdity is scarcely worthy of contra-
diction ; but it is nevertheless true that the bird has a singular tenacity of life, and
that it is seldom killed by fire-arms, unless when shot in some vital part. Its
plumage, particularly on the wings, is very strong and thick. The natives, there-
fore, seldom attempt to shoot the eondor : they usually catch him by traps, or by the
laso, or kill him by stones flung from slings, or by the bolas. A curious method of
capturing the condor alive is practised in the province of Abancay. A fresh cow-
hide, with some fragments of flesh adhering to it, is spread out on one of the level
heights, and an Indian provided with ropes creeps beneath it, whilst some others sta-
tion themselves in ambush near the spot, ready to assist him. Presently a condor,
attracted by the smell of the flesh, darts down upon the cowhide, and then the Indian
who is concealed under it seizes the bird by the legs, and binds them fast in the skin,
as if in a bag. The captured condor flaps his wings, and makes ineffectual attempts
to fly ; but he is speedily secured, and carried in triumph to the nearest village.
" The Indians quote numerous instances of young children having been attacked
by condors. That those birds are sometimes extremely fierce is very certain. The fol-
lowing occurrence came within my own knowledge, whilst I was in Lima. I had a
condor, which, when he first came into my possession, was very young. To prevent his
escape, as soon as he was able to fly, he was fastened by the leg to a chain, to which
was attached a piece of iron of about six pounds weight. He had a large court to
range in, and he dragged the piece of iron about after him all day. When he was a
year and a half old he flew away with the chain and iron attached to his leg, and
perched on the spire of the church of Santo Tomas, whence he was scared away by the
carrion hawks. On alighting in the street, a negro attempted to catch him for the
purpose of bringing him home ; upon which he seized the poor creature by the ear,
and tore it completely off. He then attacked a child in the street (a negro boy of
three years old), threw him on the ground, and knocked him on the head so severely
with his beak, that the child died in consequence of the injuries. I hoped to have
brought this bird alive to Europe ; but, after being at sea two months on our home-
ward voyage, he died on board the ship in the latitude of Monte Video." — Tschudi's
Travels in Peru.
Occurrence of the Scops Eared Owl at the Stilly Islands. — I received yesterday
from Mr. James, the steward of the lord-proprietor of the Scilly Islands, a very good
specimen of the scops owl. It was reported to me to have been caught in the past
week on the grounds of Mr. Smith, the lord -proprietor in the island of Tresco, and I
should imagine that it must have been disabled from flying, by exhaustion, after hav-
ing performed a migratorial flight, as the bird does not exhibit any bodily injury.
The finding this bird at the present season of the year in such a locality, seems to con-
firm the supposition that this species visits Europe in the summer from Africa and the
warmer regions of the earth. Nothing can exceed the beautiful pencilled markings
of its plumage, quite equalling the night jar in the delicate tints of browns, and exhi-
biting a similar arrangement of them, as in that bird, only in corresponding minia-
ture.— Edivard Hearle Rodd ; Penzance, April 13*A, 1847.
1774 Birds.
Does the Cuckow carry its Eggs P — There is an interesting point in the habits of
the cuckow, which perhaps some of the readers of the ' Zoologist ' may be able to de-
cide from their own experience. I mean the mode in which it conveys its eggs into
the nests of the birds to whose care it confides them : it seems probable it carries
them in its mouth. If I remember right, Le Vaillant shot a species of cuckow in
Africa, with one of its own eggs in its throat. Mr. Williamson, of the Scarborough
Museum, informed me, several years ago, that he had found a cuckow's egg in a nest,
which was placed so close under a hedge, that the cuckow could not possibly have
got into it; and this morning I purchased a cuckow's egg from Mr. Bartlett,of Little
Russell-street, which he had found himself (I believe last year) in a robin's nest that
was placed in so small a hole, that he believed the cuckow must have put her tail
over her head, and backed in. By the bye, rather a curious point connected with this
case is, that the robin's eggs were nearly ready to hatch, whilst the cuckow's seemed
not to have been sat upon many days ; an apparent carelessness, or want of discrimina-
tion on the part of the cuckow. Mr. B., at first glance into the nest, thought some
one had put a nightingale's egg into it, but it is a most unmistakeable cuckow's. An
American nightjar, having had its eggs disturbed, has been seen to take them up in
its claws, and fly away. Probably, many birds move their eggs in the same way.
But that the cuckow carries its eggs in its mouth or throat, is not rendered less pro-
bable by the common report that it sucks eggs to clear its voice. — T. Wolley ; Mount
Street, Grosvenor Square, Mag 1st, 1847.
Date of the Cuckow's Arrival at Whitehaven. — The cuckow was heard in this
neighbourhood as early as the 27th of April. — John Dixon ; 3, Duke Street, White-
haven, May 9th, 1847.
On Jackdaws Nests. Do Birds of the Crow tribe cover their Eggs P — I have a fact
to offer on this disputed point. About ten days ago Henry Walter and myself
amused ourselves by climbing up to jackdaws' nests, placed in holes in the trees,
about Bearwood, which is on the borders of Windsor Forest. In the course of three
days we must have examined several score of nests. On the first day none of the
eggs were covered ; but on the second and third days, we found that several of the nests
that had been visited before, now had their eggs either partially covered by loose
pieces of wool, or the eggs, in some cases, were nearly buried in the woolly lining of
the nest ; and this, whether the bird had just flown from the nest or not. So far on
this much quarrelled subject.* With respect to the make of the nests, it is curious
how they were adapted to circumstances ; in some cases, only a little wool and such
like soft materials ; in others, a monstrous pile of sticks to stop some inconvenient ca-
vity of the tree. Mr. Jesse tells the story of the extraordinary nest in the bell turret
at Eton; I saw it myself, and it really was almost beyond belief: many people
thought Gray, the sly old clerk, had built it ; but there is no doubt it was entirely the
work of the birds. It was remarkable in not being of a pyramid shape, but taking
its rise from two or three steps of the circular stairs it was built up compactly, and of a
nearly uniform breadth, to a lancet window in the perpendicular wall, the bottom of
which window was not otherwise sufficiently wide to support a nest. I forget the
whole height of the nest, but I should guess not less than nine feet. It was unfortu-
nately removed not long after it was built, though in the mean time it was a matter of
By Mr. Waterton and others. Vide ' Magazine of Natural History.'
Birds. 1775
great profit to old Gray. Somewhat similar instances of vast piles of sticks collected
by jackdaws are not uncommon : they will sometimes fill almost a whole chimney with
sticks. At the foot of some of the trees at Bearwood I saw heaps of sticks, to the ex-
tent of several barrow loads, recently dropped by the jackdaws. The keeper assured
us several birds will lay in one nest, and we frequently saw three birds fly out of the
same hole, and in one case found two eggs in a nest we had robbed the day before.
Six was the greatest number of eggs we found in any nest, but very few had this num-
ber, or indeed more than one or two eggs, as it was early in the year. The jackdaws
generally flew out long before we got near the trees, but in one case, by creeping up
stealthily, I looked into a hole where a jackdaw was sitting : she did not lose her pre-
sence of mind, but remained perfectly quiet : I repeated the experiment several times
with the same result: it was in a hole within a yard of the ground. Their eggs vary
from one another very much less than those of most others of the tribe do. Rooks
vary exceedingly. — /. Wolley ; Mount Street, Grosvenor Square, May 3rd, 1847.
Anecdote of Carrion Croivs. — The winter before last a pair of carrion crows were
constantly about my father's house. Three times during the winter I killed one of
the pair, and each time the survivor, after an absence of a few days, returned with
another mate : they at length built in an elm-tree near the house, and I killed the
hen while she was hatching her eggs. During the past winter a pair were again con-
stantly about the house, and this spring they repaired the last year's nest, and eggs
were deposited in it. I believe the fact of a carrion crow repairing his last year's nest
is uncommon, at least I never observed it before. — W. W. Cooper ; West Rosen, Lin-
colnshire, May 11 th, 1847.
Blackbirds Nest on the Ground. — Yesterday my attention was attracted by a hen-
blackbird rising from the ground in the middle of a large wood : on looking at the
place where she rose, I found a nest with five eggs in it, placed on the ground at the
foot of a hazel-bush. The part of the wood where the nest was, is full of hazels and
blackthorns, with an occasional bush of brambles and wild roses. In the material of
the nest was nothing extraordinary. In the same wood I have found another black-
bird's nest with three eggs, in a curious place. It was on the stump of a hazel, which
had been cut as brushwood, and from which several stems had grown. It was not
raised an inch from the ground, but quite surrounded by the new wood. Not far from
the same place I found a nest of a common song thrush on the ground, under a strong
plant of Heracleum Sphondylium, not less than three feet from the nearest bush. The
old bird was sitting on five eggs. — Id.
The Missel Thrush, or Storm Cock. — This bird is generally considered as being of
a wild nature, and is but a rare visitor in some places, excepting perhaps in the winter
and spring, and then only are one or two pair or a few individuals to be met with.
In some parts of England it is seldom seen at all at any period of the year, and
again, in other more favoured situations, this bird is a constant visitor, remaining
throughout the autumn, winter, and spring, and often all the year round, forming its
nest in the forked branch or hollow of some old tree, and bringing forth and tending
its young with much care, and without then showing the natural shyness it evinces at
most other times. Formerly it was an unusual thing in this neighbourhood to see
more than one or two pair of these birds during the year, but within the last eight or
nine years they have very much increased in this locality. It is now a common occur-
rence to see, either in small parties or in pairs, from twenty to thirty mistletoe thrushes
immediately about the house and lawn, where they remain all the year. I think it is
1776 Birds.
doubtful whether, when once paired, these birds ever separate, as they are constantly
seen in pairs at all periods of the year, as well as occasionally in little parties of three,
four, or five together, seldom more ; but may not these little parties be formed by the
young which remain with the parent-birds until the former separate off for pairing in
the ensuing spring, from never allowing them to be shot at, or unnecessarily disturbed ?
They are constantly in the habit of coming on the grass-plot close under the windows,
or perching on the iron chains which keep the cattle from approaching too near the
house ; and, although always upon the alert and ready to take alarm, they will allow
a person to stand and look at them through the windows, if quietly approached, and
observe them without showing much fear ; but the moment any person or other object
suddenly appears, they constantly fly off to a more safe distance. The young birds at
first, when full fledged are much lighter in colour than the old birds, and appear to
have irregular blotches of darker feathers, interspersed with those of a lighter hue,
which gives them a mottled appearance : these young birds when feeding in the grass
fields or perched upon a rail, seem quite free from all fear, and will allow a person or
dog to come within. a few yards of them before taking wing.
Like the wood-pigeon in the breeding season, the mistletoe thrush loses much of
its natural shyness and often makes its nest in the most frequented and exposed places,
regardless of noise and persons constantly being in its immediate vicinity.
A few weeks ago I discovered a missel thrush's nest in a situation I could little
have supposed, — in a low tree which grows within about ten yards of a stable-door,
exactly facing it: this stable adjoins the house, and is only vacant during the months
of June, July, and August ; and in the other months, when occupied, not a day passes
but the servants enter in or come out of the stable at least fifteen to twenty times ;
every morning the horses are taken to exercise, and pass within a few yards of the tree;
besides this, there is a path constantly used immediately beneath the nest. The tree
itself is an old Spanish chestnut, growing in the shape almost of the letter Z, but
whose topmost branch is not ten feet high from the ground: it has not a single leaf
out, and there are but two or three lateral branches forking off from its zigzag trunk :
in one of these forked branches ; and within reach of a man's hand without one single
twig, leaf, or other means of concealment, but the forked nature of the tree, a mistle-
toe thrush has built her nest, and fearlessly endures the constant passing and repassing
of the servants and others to the stable, and along the path ; when, however, any one
comes quite close, the hen bird will often quietly slip off her nest, and perches in a
neighbouring tree, and this first caused me to discover her nest. In addition to other
intruders upon her maternal cares are several dogs loose about, which often pass close
to the tree ; but there is still another object of annoyance, — itself innocent of the
dread its appearance occasions the poor bird, and that is the stable kitten. No sooner
is the door of the stable opened, wherein Kit is generally fastened in the daytime by
a string, purposely to prevent its getting out and wandering amongst the game and
young birds which are close about the house, than little puss, like some juvenile mid-
shipman, irresistibly fond of climbing, takes a freak to run up the trunks of the sur-
rounding trees, first frolicking up one side and down the other chasing her own tail,
and shewing infinite delight in scouring up the trees, and scampering from one to
the other and back again. The rough outside of the chestnut-tree, in which the nest
is, and being without any side branches, renders this tree in particular of great
temptation to puss, and she runs up it, to within a few feet of the nest, little thinking
what is above ; she seldom venturing higher than the first or second branch, and when
Birds. 1777
seen and chicled for being out, instantly bounds off to the stable, to associate with, and
seek protection from, an ancient crony in the character of a staid and demure Scotch
terrier, an inseparable and submissive companion of Mistress Puss's. But these aerial
excursions up the trees put the whole feathered tribe in the utmost commotion, and
the scream or shriek of the poor mistletoe thrush as she glides away from her ill con-
cealed nest, — the chink-chink of the frightened chaffinch, — and the chattering of the
little angry jenny-wren, show something is sadly the matter amongst them. Yet the
mistletoe thrush has hitherto sat through all disturbances, and I have no doubt, if she
has not already, will very shortly hatch her eggs : but then will come her most anxious
time, for her young ones' lowly cradle is unfortunately under the very eyes of Madam
Puss, and how to lure away in safety her little brood into the surrounding bushes
without encountering an untimely visit, either up the tree or on the ground,
from Grimalkin, must be a sore question of daily contemplation and annoyance to the
poor mother-bird, as she sits patiently fulfilling her lone but fondly endured maternal
duty, and yet, with fifty other places out of which to choose a safe retreat to build her
nest in and rear her young, she has chosen this one alone, of especial danger and con-
stant solicitude ; a contradiction in the usual course of nature which man daily either
follows, or sets the example to. — W. H. S. ; Hatton Hall, April Hth, 1847.
Early Arrival of the Sand- Mar tin. — A sand-martin (H. riparia) was killed at
Kidderminster, in Worcestershire, on the 24th of March last. This very early guest
was given to me the same day, and is in my collection. The weather had been very
mild and warm for a few days previously, but the subsequent return of winter checked
the arrival of many of our spring visitors. — W. F. W. Bird; 5, Verulam Buildings,
Gray's Inn, May, 1847.
Capture of the Bohemian Waxwing in Bedfordshire. — On the 23rd of Ja-
nuary last, a very beautiful male Bohemian waxwing {Bombycilla garrula) was shot
at Luton, in Bedfordshire. He was an adult bird, and in very good plumage. The
weather was at that time very severe, and the ground covered with snow. When
first seen, he was feeding on the berries of a mountain ash, in a garden close adjoin-
ing the street, and though a crowd of boys gathered round, he evinced no fear or shy-
ness, and did not move till he had been pelted with stones. He then flew to a
neighbouring laburnum-tree, where he was killed. He was shown to me the next
day, and has been preserved by Mr. Cooper, of Radnor-street, St. Luke's, in whose
possession he remains. — Id.
Capture of the Little Crake in Norfolk. — A very fine adult male specimen of the
little crake, or olivaceous gallinule (Crex pusilla) was killed on the 30th of March last
on the rands, or wet marshes, adjoining the large sheet of water at Heigham, in Norfolk,
and is now in my collection. I need hardly tell your readers that this bird is very
rare in Britain. My specimeu corresponds very nearly with Mr. Yarrell's description.
— Id.
Occurrence of the Purple Heron near Lydd. — A splendid specimen of the African
or purple heron (Ardea purpurem) in the most perfect plumage, was shot at Lydd, in
Romney Marsh, March 29th, and is now in my possession : I obtained a young bird
from the same locality, in September, 1838. — F. Plomley ; Maidstone, Kent, April
\7th, 1847.
1778 Birds.
Description of and Notes respecting Paget' s Pochard (' Fuligula
ferinoidesj) a New species of the Duck Tribe. By William R.
Fisher, Esq., F.L.S.
Paget's Pochard. Adult and immature males.
In the month of August, 1845, I communicated to the ' Zoologist'
(Zool. 1137) a notice of the occurrence on Rollesby broad, near Great
Yarmouth, in February of that year, of a bird of this tribe which was
in the possession of my friend Mr. Gurney. Not being at that time
aware of the existence of any similar specimen, and finding that the
bird possessed several characters which belong to the common po-
chard (F. ferina) and to the white-eyed pochard (F. nyroca), I sup-
posed that it might be the result of an accidental cross between those
two species ; and I accordingly described it as such, and the descrip-
tion, together with an engraving of the bird, and outlines representing
its tracheal enlargement and those of the two other species to which I
have alluded, was inserted in the Account of Norfolk Birds (Zool. 1379) .
A few days ago Mr. Bartlett, of Little Russell Street, purchased in
a London Market, a duck, which he had perceived to be similar to the
above-mentioned bird ; and having shortly afterwards shown me his
specimen, without in any manner stating his impression upon the sub-
ject, I immediately expressed a similar opinion as to its identity. Mr.
Gurney having kindly forwarded his bird for my inspection, it was
Birds. 1779
found upon comparison that the two examples agreed both in anatomy
and external colour and dimensions.
A third example, obtained some years ago in the London market by
Mr. Henry Doubleday (who has also been good enough to allow
me the Use of it), and which had previously been supposed to be a
specimen of the bird known as the American scaup* — although from
being an older, and probably an adult bird, it somewhat differs in
plumage, — is evidently identical with the others.
The three birds which I have mentioned were exhibited by Mr.
Bartlett on the 13th inst. at the evening meeting of the Zoological So-
ciety, and were satisfactorily shown, by comparison with a long series
of examples selected from this group of ducks, to belong to a new, and
hitherto, undescribed species.
In order to mark the affinity of this bird to our common pochard
(Fuligula ferina) , the scientific name ferinoides has been adopted for
it by Mr. Bartlett ; and the name of ' Paget's pochard ! has been also
given it, after my late friend C. J. Paget, Esq., of Great Yarmouth
(near which place the first authenticated British specimen was ob-
tained), a zealous and accomplished naturalist, and one of the authors
of a useful work on the Natural History of Great Yarmouth and its
neighbourhood.
The specimen of this bird which I have mentioned to be in the
possession of Mr. H. Doubleday, and which is represented in the
foreground of the cut at the head of this paper, is supposed tobe in the
adult dress, and has the bill black at the point and at the base, the re-
maining portion being pale blue ; the irides yellowish-white ; the head
and upper part of the neck of a rich and very deep chestnut, finely
glossed with purple ; the lower part of the neck and breast black ; in
the younger birds the neck almost wants the purple gloss, and is of a
lighter colour, the breast being also at first not much darker than the
neck ; the back and wing-coverts are minutely freckled with grayish-
white on a black ground ; the sides and flanks, both under and below
the wing, are in the immature bird like the back, but in the adult are
lighter, the freckling being produced, as in the back of the common
pochard, by lines of black on a white ground ; the back and wing-
coverts are also darker in the immature than in the adult bird, and are
tinged with yellowish-brown ; wing-coverts very dark -brown, slightly
* It is described and figured in Yarrell's ■ British Birds,' under the name of
American scaup (Fuligula mariloides, Vigors). Vol. iii. p. 247 of the first edition. —
E.N.
1780 Birds.
powdered with grayish-white ; the primaries light-brown, broadly
edged with dark -brown, except the first, which has the whole of the
outer and great part of the inner web dark- brown ; all the visible part
of the secondaries white, slightly powdered with gray, and forming a
white bar across the wing ; about a quarter of an inch near the ends
of these feathers is black, and the tips are white in the immature bird,
but in the adult the white is hardly visible ; at both ages the upper-
most feathers of the speculum are of a more uniform gray than the
lower, and more or less edged with black ; the rump and upper tail-
coverts black, this colour being spread over a much greater extent in
the adult than in the immature bird ; on the chin is a small triangular
spot of yellowish-white ; the lower part of the breast and belly, in the
immature specimen, yellowish-brown mixed with light gray, and slightly
freckled with black ; the yellow colour giving place to the gray, and
the part becoming darker as the bird attains maturity ; the feathers
about the vent are in the immature birds white at the sides, and
freckled with dark gray in the centre, the youngest bird also exhibit-
ing in this part a good deal of yellowish -brown ; in the adult entirely
of dark gray ; the legs and toes dark bluish-gray, the webs and claws
black.
The total length of Mr. Bartlett's bird (of which a figure ap-
pears in the background of the cut) was before preservation 17j
inches ; from the carpal-joint to the end of the wing 7j inches ; the
beak from the middle of the forehead If inches ; the middle toe with
the claw 2 J inches.
This species may be distinguished from F. ferina externally, by its
smaller size ; the much smaller space occupied by the black colour
at the base of the bill ; the yellowish colour of the irides ; the greater
extent of the dark colour on the breast, which reaches further both
upwards and downwards, than in the common species, and is, I think,
at no age in such strong contrast with the colour of the neck and
head ; and by the purple tint and finer texture of the neck and breast-
feathers ; by the white bar on the wing, and by the much darker tint of
the freckled parts.
Internally, the eye, when removed from the head, was, in Mr. Gur-
ney's bird, found to be considerably larger than that of F. ferina ; the
trachea (of which an engraving, showing both sides of the bony en-
largement appears in the next page*) differs materially from that of the
* It should be observed here, that the trachea has been represented in a curved
position, only because the size of the page would not admit of its being introduced en-
tire in any other fonn.
Birds.
1781
latter bird, which at no great distance from its lower extremity becomes
of an uniform size ; and the form of the enlargement itself bears a
much closer resemblance, on the side which in the figure is marked A,
to that of the canvas-backed duck of America {F. valisneria) than
to that of our common species, but
is of course much smaller than either ;
lastly, the emarginations in the sternum
of the new bird are, notwithstanding
the much smaller size of the whole
bone, fully as large as those in the ster-
num of the common pochard.
The female of Paget' s pochard has
not as yet been recognised ; but it is
anticipated that, although strongly re-
sembling that of F.ferina, it will be
found to possess the white speculum by
which the male is distinguished ; and
it is hoped that the descriptions here
given will lead to the identification of
other examples of this interesting spe-
cies.
Having alluded, at the commence-
ment of this paper, to the fact that the
first specimen of this species which was
obtained was considered to be a hy-
brid between the common and white-
eyed pochards, 1 may here, without re-
ference to the question to what extent
intermixture takes place amongst ani-
mals in a perfectly wild state, observe,
that several of the internal characters,
which upon more careful examination
have become apparent in the bird un-
der consideration, are such as could
hardly by any possibility have resulted
from a cross between those two species.
Mr. Gurney's specimen, which, as
far as I am aware, is the only one
which has been noticed in a wild state,
Trachea of Paget' s Pochard.
1782 Birds.
was killed amongst some widgeon, and was observed to be much
tamer than those birds, and to swim very deep in the water ; which I
regret to add, is all the information that I am at present able to give
respecting the habits of this pochard.
William R. Fisher.
5, Verulam Buildings, Gray's Inn,
April 20th, 1847.
The Pochard breeding in Norfolk. — I have this morning received from the Rev.
T. C. Haddon, Incumbent of Tunstall, Norfolk, a pochard or dun-bird (Fuligulaferina),
which he informs me was killed yesterday on Tunstall marshes, bordering the river
Bure, by Mr. Christmas Francis, an experienced marshman and gunner. The speci-
men is a male, in his second or third year. As far as I can learn from books or en-
quiry, the fact of a pochard being killed in England, in the month of June, is of very
rare occurrence ; at all events it has not happened for many years, and I am therefore
anxious to give it publicity through your pages. As regards its breeding in this coun-
try, Messrs. Gurney and Fisher, in their very valuable ' Account of Norfolk Birds,'
state that the pochard is common in autumn and spring, and frequent in winter, and
" has been occasionally known to breed in the county.'' But upon mentioning the
matter to Mr. Fisher, who saw my bird soon after I received it, I find that he is not
aware of any such breeding for many years past.
Messrs. Whitear and Shepherd, in their well known Catalogue of 1825, mention
that " the pochard breeds at Scoulton Mere." But Mr. Lubbock, in his interesting
' Observations on the Fauna of Norfolk,' after quoting a memorandum of the late Mr.
Girdlestone, who "was informed that this duck has bred upon Scoulton Mere,''
expressly tells us, that the pochard has ceased to breed there ; and as no other breed-
ing-place has been suggested in that county, I presume none is known.
I am therefore most happy to have the opportunity of informing both ornithologists
and sportsmen, that this duck, considered by gourmands as the English canvass-back,
has again appeared as a summer resident here. Of course I cannot say, for certain,
that the pochard has bred or paired in Norfolk this year, but the fact is all but proved
by the occurrence there of an adult male bird in the middle of the breeding season.
— W. F. W. Bird ; 5, Verulam Buildings, Gray's Inn, June 4th, 1847.
Occurrence of a Specimen of Larus Rossii near Tadcaster. — A short time since I was
shewn by Mr. Graham (the very excellent bird-preserver in Spurriergate), a beautiful
gull which had been shot near Tadcaster; and its characters not agreeing with those
of any species appearing in Mr. YarrelPs ' History of British Birds,' with the per-
mission of its owner, and of William Milner, Esq., of Nun Appleton, to whom the op-
portunity of purchasing the specimen had been promised, I sent it to Mr. Yarrell,
stating at the same time, that if the gull were new or rare as a British bird, any infor-
mation on the subject would be highly acceptable for publication in the Proceedings
of this Society. From Mr. Yarrell's acknowledgment* of the receipt of the bird, and
obliging reply to my inquiries, I make the following extract : —
* Dated Ryder-street, St. James's, March 23rd, 1847.
Birds. 1783
" The sight of the gull enables me to send you so many references to this species
that any remarks from me will be superfluous, beyond noticing that, as far as I
am aware, it is not only a very rare bird, but also quite new to our British Catalogue.
This last remark may require explanation, because Mr. William Macgillivray includes
this species in his ' Manual of British Ornithology,' with the remark that " this species
has once occurred in Ireland.5' — Vol. ii. p. 254.
" I remember some years ago to have seen a notice in print, that this bird had been
once taken in Ireland, but from the countries visited or known to the writer of that
notice, and from the circumstance that this species had only occurred in high northern
latitudes, I came to the conclusion that the printer had made a mistake of one letter,
and that for Ireland, we ought to read Iceland. Add to this, that the birds of Ireland
have been carefully worked out by Mr. Thompson, of Belfast, who is one of the best
authorities for Irish birds, and this species is not included by him in his ' Fauna of
Ireland.'"
The following are the references to this species, which Mr. Yarrell is so good as to
supply at the end of his letter.
Larus Rossii.
Ross's Rosy Gull — Cuneate-tailed Gull — Wedge-tailed Gull, &c, first noticed by
Dr. Richardson in a paper read by the Wernerian Society, in January, 1824.
Fauna Boreali- Americana, Swains, and Rich., 1831 ... page 427. sp. 192.
Nuttall's Man. Ornith. of U. S. and Canada, 1834 ... page 295 and 296.
Audubon's Ornith. Biog. 1839 -vol. 5. page 324.
„ Synopsis of Birds of N. A. 1839 page 323. sp. 442.
Macgillivray's Man. of Brit. Ornith. 1842 vol. 2. page 252.
Audubon's Birds of America vol 7. page 296.
Richardson's App. to Parry's Second Voyage page 359.
Ross's App. to Parry's Polar Voyage page 195.
Appendix to Ross's Last Voyage, 1835 page 36. sp. 26.
Wilson's Illust. Zool. vol i. pi. 8.
Jardine and Selby Orn. Illust. p. 1. plate 14.
See also Gray and Mitchell's Genera of Birds, part 19, Nov. 1845, for a figure
on plate 180 of the head and form of the tail.
The Fauna Boreali- Americana, not being accessible to me, I consulted Audubon's
American Ornithological Biography, of which there is a copy in the library of the So-
ciety. Under the head of Larus Rossii, Audubon remarks that he has never met with
" this beautiful little gull," and that he is consequently obliged to quote the following
description from Dr. Richardson's work : —
" Cuneate-tailed gull, with a pearl-gray mantle. Wings longer than the cunei-
form tail. The outer web of the first tail-feather blackish ; a slender black bill, tarsi
an inch long, and, as well as the feet, verrnillion red.
" Two specimens of this gull were killed on the coast of Melville Peninsula, on
Sir Edward Parry's second voyage, one of which is preserved in the Museum of the
University of Edinburgh, and the other was presented to Joseph Sabine, Esq. No
other examples are known to exist in collections; but Commander Ross, in his
Zoological Appendix to Sir Edward Parry's narrative of his most adventurous boat-
voyage towards the Pole, relates that several were seen during the journey over the ice
north of Spitzbergen, and that Lieutenant Forster also found the species in Waygait
Straits, which is probably one of its breeding-places. It is to Commander Ross, who
1784 Birds.
killed the first specimen which was obtained, that the species is dedicated, as a tribute
for his unwearied exertions in the promotion of natural history on the late Arctic voy-
ages, in all of which he bore a part. Of the peculiar habits or winter retreat of this
species nothing is known.
" Description of a specimen killed, June, 1823, at Alagnak, Melville Peninsula.
Lat. 69J deg. N.
" Colour. — Scapulars, inter-scapulars, and both surfaces of the wings, clear pearl
gray ; outer web of the first quill blackish-brown to its tip, which is gray ; tips of the
scapulars and lesser quills whitish. Some small feathers near the eye, and a collar
round the middle of the neck, pitch black. Rest of the plumage white, the neck above
and the whole under plumage deeply tinged with peach-blossom-red in recent speci-
mens. Bill black ; its rictus and the edges of the eyelids reddish-orange. Legs and
feet vermillion-red ; nails blackish.
" Form. — Bill slender, weak, with a scarcely perceptible salient angle beneath; the
upper maudible slightly arched and compressed towards the point ; the commissure
slightly curved at the tip. Wings an inch longer than the decidedly cuneiform tail,
of which the central feathers are an inch longer than the lateral. Tarsi rather stout ;
the thumb very distinct, armed with a nail as large as that of the outer toe.
" The other specimen, killed by Mr. Sherer a few days later, differs only in the first
primary coverts having the same dark colour with the outer web of the first primary
itself."
It would appear that the fate of the specimen of Larus Rossii, given to Mr.
Sabine, is not known, and that none of our public museums have since been able to
obtain examples; for Mr. Mitchell, the Secretary of the Zoological Society, and joint-
author with Mr. G. R. Gray, of the beautiful work now publishing on the genera of
birds, in writing to me upon the subject, remarks, " The only specimen I could hear
of when I wanted it [Larus Rossii] for the ' Genera of Birds ' was one at Edinburgh,
from which I obtained a drawing.''
Being anxious to know upon what evidence Professor Macgillivray had inserted
Larus Rossii in his ' Manual of British Ornithology,' I wrote to this gentleman for in-
formation upon the point, but at present no reply to my inquiry has reached me.
Messrs. Gray and Mitchell adopt for this species the subgeneric name Rhodostethia,
with the following characters : —
Rhodostethia, Macgillivray.
" Bill short, slender, straight, with the culmen straight at the base, and curved at
the tip, the sides compressed, the gonys short, advancing upwards, and scarcely angu-
lated ; the nostrils lateral and submedial. Wings lengthened and pointed, with the
first quill the longest. Tail moderate and wedge-shaped. Tarsi strong, as long as
the middle toe. Toes moderate, the anterior ones united by a full web ; the hind toe
short and elevated."
Mr. Yarrell, in a subsequent letter, put me in possession of the following notes
which he had taken of the winter plumage, &c, of this specimen :*
* Its capture is authenticated in the following memorandum, received from
Henry Milner, Esq. (Nun Appleton) : — "Ross's gull was killed by Horner, Lord
Birds. 1785
" Beak black ; eyes with a narrow line of dark feathers around them ; head,
whole of the neck and breast delicate rose colour, mixed or clouded with French gray ;
wings and back French gray ; outer web of the first primary only, dark gray ; the
shafts bluish-gray ; upper tail-coverts, tail-feathers, and all the under surface of the
body, delicate rose-colour ; under surface of the wings French gray ; the shafts of
the primaries white ; central pair of tail-feathers the longest ; the remainder gradu-
ated, forming a wedge-shaped tail ; legs, toes, and interdigital membranes, vermillion ;
the claws black. Whole length of the bird about 14 inches ; wing, from the anterior
bird to the end of the first primary, which is the longest, 10£ ; beak, from the point to
the feathers on the top, three-fourths of an inch ; length of the tarsus, l£." — Edward
Charlesworth in Proceedings of Yorkshire Philosophical Society.
Notice of Ornithological Occurrences in Norfolk, for May, 1847. — We have this
month to notice the occurrence of two examples of the spoonbill ; the first, a very fine
adult male, was killed on the river Bure, near Yarmouth, on the 2nd instant ; the other,
also a male, but in immature plumage, was shot on the 19th at Salthouse.
On the 7th, a pair of black-tailed godwits (male and female), having partially as-
sumed the summer plumage, also occurred at the latter place.
A fine adult male golden oriole was shot on the 8th instant in the garden of a pub-
lic-house at Heigham, on the outskirts of the city of Norwich. It was in poor condi-
tion. A bird supposed to have been a female of this species was seen in the same
place on the following day, but was not obtained.
Temminck's stint was taken at Yarmouth on the 14th, and about the same time
the following incident occurred. Some men who were employed in felling oak-trees
at Easton, on proceeding to bark one of the trees which had been just cut down, found,
fixed to one of the principal branches, the nest of a pair of long-tailed titmice, contain-
ing a brood of young ones, which appeared quite uninjured by the fall which they had
sustained. The branch having been cut off was fixed, with the nest still attached to
it, to the trunk of an adjoining tree, at about its original height from the ground ; soon
after which, the old birds recommenced feeding their young, and continued to do so,
as if no disturbance had taken place. The latter have since flown.
About the 17th of the month, a nest, containing four eggs, which from their appear-
ance, and the description which was given of the old birds, are probably those of the
widgeon, was taken on the edge of the river Bure. The eggs have been placed under a
bantam, and we hope to be able to announce the result in a future communication.
On the 19th a male osprey was trapped at Westwick ; the feathers on the back of
this specimen are without the white tips which are usually observable.
About the middle of the month some dotterel (C. morinellus) and whimbrels and
turnstones, rapidly assuming their summer garb, may be noted as passing northwards ;
and some examples of the gray plover, which had been obtained from Breydon at
about the same time, had nearly obtained the black colour peculiar to the breeding
season.
Later in the month foolish guillemots and razorbills have been frequent upon the
coast. — J. H. Gurney, William R. Fisher ; May, 1847.
Howden's head keeper, in February last (1847), in a ploughed field, near the hamlet
of Milford-cum-Kirby, in the parish of Kirby : its flight resembled, according to
Horner's account, the flight of any other gull, and it did not seem at all shy.''
1786 Mollusks.
Note on the Arrival of the Summer Birds of Passage in Roxburghshire, in the
years 1846 and 1847.
1846. 1847.
Pied wagtail About the middle of March. March 25th
Gray wagtail Do. March 21st
Starling April 13th March 25th
Titlark April 6th April 11th
Eeed bunting April 9th March 22nd
Sandpiper April 11th April 22nd
Willow wren April 19th April 29th
Sand martin April 20th May 5lh
Tree pipit April 26th May 6th
Swallow April 29th May 5th
Cuckow April 30th May 7th
Blackcap May 1st May 9th
House martin May 6th May 5th
Whitethroat Do. May 10th
Wood-wren Do. May 11th
Swift May 9th May 8th
Kedstart May 10th May 12th
Corncrake May 11th May 7th
Whinchat May 12th
Flycatcher May 20th
Garden-warbler May 21st
-Archibald Jerdon ; Lintalee, Jedburgh, Mag 27th, 1847.
Description of a remarkable Species or Variety of British Paludina. — Having met
with a variety, or species, of British Paludina not described in Gray's edition of * Tur-
ton's Manual,' and, as far as I can learn, unknown to conchologists generally, the fol-
lowing description thereof may prove interesting. The shell is perfectly beardless,
both externally and internally, in all stages of growth ; it has five and a half volutions
in the adult state ; the colour is a bluish- green when alive with the animal in it,
changing to yellowish-green after the animal has been removed, and the moisture of
the periostraca thoroughly dried up ; inside light bluish-white, and the lip edged with
dark brown, forming a very pretty contrast with the light colour of the shell : in general
outline of form it approaches nearest to Paludina achatina, but is thinner, and rather
shorter in proportion to the breadth than the generality of specimens of that species.
I have not as yet been able to discover any decided difference in the animal of that
and the banded Pal. achatina, except that the foot appears darker coloured, and does
not protrude so far from beneath the shell when the animal is progressing. This shell
is very local, and by no means plentiful, at which I am rather surprised, as in the ovi-
duct of one individual I found fifty young ones in different stages of development, and
in that of the banded shell, which is abundant, not more than seventy. I have taken
Insects. 1787
it in slow streams in Hertfordshire for the last three years suceessively, but nowhere
else, and have never met with any specimens in the same locality that are intermediate
between it and the strongly banded Pal. achatina, but, on the contrary, all the other
specimens I have taken in that neighbourhood, and associated with it, are the most
strongly banded I have ever seen.
I have a series of Pal. achatina, taken in the neighbourhood of Newbury, Berks,
varying from strongly banded to very faint, also from other localities, but, however pale
or faint, yet the bands are distinctly visible both inside and out on holding the speci-
mens to the light : this is not the case with the shell under consideration, as in all the
specimens I have taken, varying in size from one-eighth, to one inch and a quarter,
not a vestige of banding is discernible. As this shell is so very distinct in appearance
from the two described species of British Paludina, viz., Pal. vivipara and Pal. acha-
tina, both of which have hitherto been described, figured, and regarded as handed
shells, I propose, until decided whether it be a distinct species or not, naming it Palu-
dina achatina, var. efasciata, which name can stand as specific, should it hereafter
prove to be a species. — John Pickering; 117, Lower Thames Street, May 17, 1847.
Captures of Lepidoptera. — The following are some of my principal captures of
Lepidoptera during last year, with dates and localities.
Thecla Betulce. Collier's Wood, Greenhithe, September, worn.
Acherontia Atropos. Hammersmith, larva?, July ; bred, September.
Mgeria Cynipiformis. Oaks, Hyde Park, June and July.
Triphama subsequa. Sherwood Forest, July 31, one, sugar.
Agrotis saucia. Hammersmith, garden, October, one, sugar, very fine, never cap-
tured here before.
Agrotis agathina. Weybridge, August, sugar and on heath, rare.
Graphiphora rhomboidea. Wood near Chesterfield, July, sugar.
Orthosia populeti. Wimbledon Park, one, sallows, March.
Orthosia munda. Wimbledon Park, twelve, sallows, March.
Segetia neglecta. Weybridge, August, sugar and on heath, rather plentiful.
Caradrina glareosa. Weybridge, August, four.
Calocampa vetusta. Wimbledon Park, one, sallows, March.
Xylophasia scolopacina. Chesterfield, Worksop, and Sherwood Forest, July, sugar.
Mamestra nigricans. Banks of the Thames below Gravesend, larvae, June;
imago, July.
Apamea connexa. Wood near Chesterfield, July, sugar.
Apamea congener. Doncaster, Worksop, and Sherwood Forest, July, sugar.
Apamea ophiogramma. Hammersmith Marshes, one, July, sugar.
Polia tincta. Birch Wood, larva? feeding on birch, April ; bred, June.
Polia occulta. Weybridge, August, one, sugar, wasted.
Acronycta ligustri. Darenth Wood, end of May, sugar.
Ceropacha Jluctuosa. Darenth Wood, May, one, flying at dusk.
Ceropacha Or. Darenth Wood, sugar.
Tethea subtusa. Hammersmith Marshes, July, one, sugar.
Cosmia fulvago. Worksop, July, one ; Sherwood Forest, July, six, sugar.
1788 Insects.
Xanthia aurago. Darenth Wood, September, one, sugar.
Hipparchus Papilionarius. Birch Wood, larvae feeding on birch, April ; bred,
June.
Aids Abietaria (sericearia). Black Park, July, three, by beating fit trees.
Aids consortaria. Darenth Wood, end of May, flying and at sugar.
Tephrosia extersaria. Darenth Wood, end of May.
Tephrosia tetragonaria. Birch Wood, April, one.
Cidaria olivaria. Chatsworth Park, July, four.
Pachycnemia Hippocastinaria. Weybridge, May, July and August, flying over
heath.
Chesias obliquaria. Dartford Fence, one, April ; Weybridge, two, early in May.
Eupitheda simplidata. Banks of Thames below Gravesend, July.
Eupitheda togala. Black Park, June, by beating firs.
Eupitheda venosata. Darenth, one, May.
Eupitheda coronata. Dartford Fence, April.
Cledeobia costeestrigalis. Black Park, June, flying over heath.
Cledeobia albistrigalis. Darenth Wood, September, sugar.
Margaritia sticticalis. Sherwood Forest, one, July.
Carpocapsa maritima. Banks of Thames below Gravesend, July.
Cochylis affinitana, Doug. Banks of Thames below Gravesend, July.
Anacatnpsis Mouffetella. Dartford Fence, June.
Anacampsis aspera. Dartford Fence, June.
Anacampsis variella, Doug. Banks of Thames below Gravesend, July.
Anacampsis Pinetetta r Dartford Fence, June.
Phydta Abietella. Weybridge, August.
Phydta nivella. Charlton, July.
Crambus Silacellus. Banks of Thames below Gravesend, July.
Theristis nemorella. Black Park. July.
Tinea semifulvella. Dartford Fence, June.
Tinea ustella. Dartford Fence, June.
Tinea parasitella. Old oaks, Hyde Park, June and July. — Samuel Stevens ; 38,
King Street, Covent Garden, November 16, 1846.
Captures of Lepidoptera and Enquiries respecting certain Species.
Colias Edusa and Hyale. I did not see a living specimen of either of these spe-
cies last year, nor have I heard of their capture near London.
Psyche fusca. Was taken in some of the woods about Hornsey last year, by the
" practical entomologists."
Chersotis agathina, Boisduval, Lytcea albimacula, Stephens. I took seven on the
flowers of the ling (Calluna vulgaris), at Wickham, in August, and others have been
taken at Weybridge, &c. Boisduval places this moth in his genus Chersotis, next to
Porphyrea, and Guenee makes it an Agrotis, and puts it next to Tritici. It is cer-
tainly related to both these species.
Agrotis lunigera. A few specimens of this distinct species were taken many years
ago near Cork, but I never heard of its capture since. Do any readers of the
' Zoologist ' know of an instance ?
Segetia neglecta. Has occurred at Wickham and several other places, in August
last, on flowers of ling.
Insects. 1789
Acronycta Salicis, Curtis. Is this distinct from A. rumicis ? I see no difference
except the darker colour.
Cabera rotundaria. Some of my correspondents think that this and pusaria are
synonymous, but they are certainly quite distinct, rotundaria having the upper wings
more rounded, and the lines across them nearly confluent in the centre.
Genus Peronea. Last season the Peroneal were very abundant. Some thousands
were taken at Hainault and Whittlebury Forests; among them several that some per-
sons think are distinct species. I believe, however, that they are only new varieties,
and that we have really but one exceedingly variable species of " raised buttons."
Those Peroneae without the " button," taken in Scotland by Mr. Weaver, will, I
think, be resolved into three or four species, though the varieties seem endless.
Anacampsis nebulea. This species, I see, is often confounded with Malvella, but
it is very distinct both in its markings and habits. It is most nearly allied to betulea,
but it may be easily distinguished by a light-coloured spot near the extremity of the
costa. Sometimes there is another spot on the inferior edge immediately under this,
but it is not constant. The moth is very well figured in Wood's Index. I have taken
it only on Jerry's Hill, Putney Heath, on a bare place, where it gets up from among
the dry gravel and flies about at dusk, in April and May. — /. W. Douglas ; 19, Nel-
son Square, Peckham, May 5, 1847.
Captures of Lepidoptera. — As I observe the kindness with which you admit into
your columns all information connected with the immediate subjects of your maga-
zine, I am induced to seud you a short minute of a few of the captures I made last
August, during an entomological excursion to Brockenhurst (New Forest), to Wey-
bridge, and to Greenhithe.
Brockenhurst, August 27th to 30th.
Polia occulta. At sugar.
Stilbia anomolata. At rest on the seed-stalks of grass, on Brockenhurst Common
(only three females out of seventeen specimens).
Segetia neglecta. On heath bloom and at sugar.
Caradrina glareosa. On heath bloom.
Peronea insularia. By beating. The other more common Peroneae I was too
early for.
Sarrothripus degeneranus. By beating.
Leptogramma literana, squamana, tricolorana and fulvomistana.
Weybridge, August 3\st and September 3rd.
Agrotis agathina. Five, on the heath and at sugar.
Segetia neglecta. At sugar. These specimens were not so large and fine as those
taken at the New Forest.
Caradrina glareosa. At sugar.
Pachycnemia Hippocastinaria. Flying over the heath in the evening.
Crambus hamellus and latistrius. Beat out of the heath.
Greenhithe, Darenth Wood, September 8th to 21s*.
Charceas fusca. Nine, at sugar.
Xylina semibrunnea. At sugar.
Calocampa vetusta. At sugar.
V 2Pr
1790 Insects.
Orthosia lunosa. Thirty-eight, on ivy bloom and at sugar.
Orthosia litura. On ivy bloom and at sugar.
Xanthia Aurago and Croceago. On ivy bloom and at sugar.
Cledeobia albistrigalis. On ivy bloom and at sugar.
I have purposely omitted from the foregoing list a number of other captures of the
autumnal moths which are taken in most localities. Some of them swarmed on the
sugar, notwithstanding the dry weather and north-easterly wind which prevailed most
of the time.
Agrotis saucia and Polia occulta were taken by an entomological friend in an
orchard within a hundred yards of my residence.
The occurrence of so many of the rarer of our Lepidopterous insects in tolerable
numbers will long mark the past year as the most prolific for the entomologist we
have had for a long time. — FredJc. Grant ; 15, Sussex Place, Kensington New Town.
Captures of Lepidoptera at Lewisham in 1846.
Polia dysodea. One, July 3, attracted by light.
Cnephasia longana. One, July 3, attracted by light.
Chcetochilus sequellus. One, July 7, on palings.
Anacampsis Mouffetella. One, July 11, on palings.
Dipterygia Pinastri. One, July 1 1 , at sugar.
Mythimna grisea. One, July 11, one, July 20, at sugar.
Caradrina blanda. Common, at sugar, July 13 — 27.
Miana literosa. Fourteen, at sugar, July 14 — 31.
Lophonotus fasciculellus. One, July 19, at sugar.
Lozotcenia Grotiana. Two, July 19, at sugar.
Anacampsis maculella. Nineteen, at sugar, July 20 — August 4.
Triphoena interjecta. Common, at sugar, July 20 — August 21 .
Depressaria characterosa. Five, July 20 — August 31.
Depressaria damella. Twelve, July 22 — September 2.
Hypsolopha antennelln. One, July 22, one, July 28, at sugar.
Anacampsis tricolorella. Four, July 21 — 30, at sugar.
Eupithecia subfulvata. One, July 23, attracted by light.
Ptilodontis palpina. One, July 25, attracted by light.
Cosmia affinis. Four, July 28 — 29, at sugar.
Cosmia diffinis. Nine, July 29 — August 21, at sugar.
Pyralis glaucinalis. Common, July 28 — August 31, at sugar.
Lobophora sexalisata. One, July 30, at sugar.
Agrotis puta. Plentiful, July 29 — August 21, at sugar.
Agrotis suffusa. Plentiful, August 7 — September 10, at sugar.
Electra testata. One, July 31 , one, August 31, at sugar.
Pseudotomia compositella. Three, August 4, flying in a clover-field.
Apamea nictitans. Four, August 4 — 7, at sugar.
Lytcea umbrosa. Six, August 7 — 24, at sugar.
Aphelosetia marginea. One, August 10, one, August 16, at sugar.
Triphana fimbria. One, August 13, at sugar.
Graphiphora C-nigrum. Common, August 13 — September 10, at sugar.
Agrotis saucia. One, August 16, at sugar.
Anacampsis interruptella. One, August 16, at sugar.
Insects. 1791
Eupithecia antirrhinana. One, August 17, one, August 23, at sugar.
Catocala nupta. Four, August 19 — 22, at sugar.
Cerigo texta. One, August 21, at sugar.
Polia occulta, $ . One, August 28, at sugar.
Cosmia fulvago. One, August 29, at sugar.
Hadena thalassina. One, August 31, one, September 1, at sugar.
Xanthia citrago. One, September 1, at sugar.
Orthosia lunosa. One, September 3, at sugar.
Argyromiges trifasciella. One, September 7, at sugar. — H. T. Stainton ; Lew-
isham, September 11, 1846.
Captures of Lepidoptera at Pashley, near Ticehurst, in Sussex, September 4 to 6, 1846.
Sphinx Convolvuli. Fourteen, flying over Petunia beds.
Ceropacha diluta. Twenty-two, at sugar.
Triphcena fimbria. One, at sugar.
Segetia neglecta. Seven, at sugar.
Agrotis agathina. Four, at sugar.
Margaritia ferrugalis. One, flying among heather.
Antithesia oblongana. One, flying in a clover-field.
Gracillaria substriga. One, beat out of bushes.
Peronea trigonana. Two, beat out of bushes.
Captures of Lepidoptera at Charlton.
Eupcecilia dubitana. Two, August 12.
Anacampsis quadripuncta. One, August 12.
Anacampsis inter ruptella. Five, August 12.
Pterophorus trigonodactylus. Two, August 12.
Anacampsis interruptella. One, August 22.
Captures of Lepidoptera at Wickham, August 25.
Pseudotomia Ephippana. Nine, beat out of hedges.
Argyromiges corylifoliella. Two, beat out of hedges.
Spilonota strcemiaria. One, heather, flying.
Cledeobia costcestrigalis. One, heather, flying.
Graphiphora Dahlii. Two, worn, by sweeping the heather.
Segetia neglecta. One, by sweeping the heather.
Agrotis agathina. One, by sweeping the heather. — Id.
Capture of Vanessa Antiopa near Kingsbury \ Middlesex. — I was fortunate enough
to take a fine female specimen of V. Antiopa on Saturday the 10th instant, at the well-
springs, in this parish ; it was hovering over some nettles when I first saw it, — does
the larva ever feed on that plant ? if so, it probably was laying its eggs. The margins of
the wings are very white, and the blue spots are remarkably bright; from its general ap-
pearance it had evidently hybernated in the perfect state. — Frederick Bond ; Kings-
bury, April \2th, 1847.
1792 Insects.
Affinities of the Stylopites, an Essay. By Edward Newman.
Preliminary Note.
It is not a little remarkable that no calm rational enquiry has yet
been instituted into the affinities of the Stylopites. We have crude
hypothetical guessings to admiration ; we have moreover details of
structure, which, superficial though they be, at least possess the merit
of having dissipated the doubts with which the extraordinary descrip-
tions of earlier writers had obscured the truthful anatomy of the tho-
racic segments : but we have no essay in which the promulged hypo-
theses are supported by a review of facts ; we have no facts in econo-
my and structure availed of as a basis for logical deductions. I have
therefore endeavoured to embody in a more connected and complete
form than has yet been published, the verified observations of entomo-
logists, and to announce deductions which will now appear irresist-
able, however they may differ from prior surmises, whether of others or
my own, because these have always been founded on insufficient data.
In theirs* place, I assume, as an abstract position, and totally in-
dependent of the question of affinities, that it is highly improbable, be-
cause at variance with the law of nature in other cases, that the nume-
rically insignificant group before us, should constitute a division of
the animal kingdom equal in grade to that of birds, or reptiles, or
fishes, or beetles ; I say improbable because we have no parallel in-
stance ; Ornithorhynchus, Echidna, Apteryx, Agaon, Hypocephalus,
Trictenotoma, Forficula, Aleyrodes, Pulex, Mantispa, all have their
affinities, all are related, perhaps distantly, but still certainly, to some
well-known, well-understood group; but the Stylopites at present
have no affinities ; they are regarded as constituting a class of
themselves, as being an isolated group detached from the rest of the
animal kingdom : such was the view of Kirby and Latrielle, and such
I believe is the opinion of all naturalists capable of forming one. I
think that the institution of classes for the reception of species, or small
groups of species, is to be traced, first, to an unwillingness to allow
nature sufficient scope in the variety of her modifications, and secondly
from our ignorance of kindred forms which certainly may, and proba-
bly do exist. These considerations demand that we should pause be-
fore accepting the hypothesis that the Stylopites stand alone. To me
it appears certain that this isolated position must be shaken by the
patient investigation of economy and structure, and the deduction of
Insects. 1793
logical inferences from positive observations. We want the know-
ledge of those kindred forms that may intimately connect the Stylo-
pites with forms already known : and in the absence of that know-
ledge we want logical reasoning on the facts already within our reach.
In the second place, I assume, that certain positions are established
by the very general consent of naturalists : e.g., that organised beings
divide into animal and vegetable : that animals are constructed on
certain different plans, as vertebrate, articulate, radiate : that certain
articulate animals are apterous, as Crustacea, Arachnida, Myriapoda ;
and certain others winged, as Lepidoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera ;
that winged articulates constitute a group of themselves ; that Stylops
is an organized being; an animal ; an articulate ; a winged articulate :
that at this point our knowledge of its affinities ceases, and therefore
that at this point the present enquiry begins.
In the third place, I assume, that the just arrangement of winged
articulates or insects depends on the combination of three series
of functions, viz., metamorphosis, nutrition, and locomotion : these
have given rise to three artificial methods of arrangement called the
metamorphotic, maxillary, and alary, respectively promulged by
Swammerdam, Fabricius, and Linneus : but I assume that no method
can be natural that is not in accordance with all three series of func-
tions, and indeed, with all series of functions that may by their varia-
tion furnish us with characters whereby to separate given divisions
into minor divisions.
Division of the Subject.
In accordance with the foregoing assumptions, it becomes necessary
to divide the subject into its constituent parts and to consider them
seriatim. The three series of functions employed by entomologists
in these varied methods of arrangement must be consulted, both with
reference to Stylops itself and to winged insects generally ; and here
it must be observed, that in thus selecting three series of functions to
the exclusion of others, I do so solely from necessity (all our know-
ledge having relation thereto), and not because I would assert the su-
periority of these functions over others, of which hitherto we have taken
no account. Each of these series of functions having then to be con-
sidered twice, i. e., positively and comparatively, we arrive at a divi-
sion of the subject into six sections. — 1. Economy and Metamorphosis
of Stylops. 2. Comparative Economy and Metamorphosis of Stylops.
3. Anatomy of the Mouth of Stylops. 4. Comparative Anatomy of
1794 Insects.
the Mouth of Stylops. 5. Anatomy of the Pro- Meso- and Metathorax
of Stylops. 6. Comparative Anatomy of the Pro- Meso- and Metatho-
rax of Stylops.
§ 1. Economy and Metamorphosis of Stylops.
The egg of Stylops is unknown to naturalists : the inference to be
drawn from appearances hereafter to be detailed is that, it is hatched
prior to its extrusion, in fact, that the female Stylops is pseudo-vivi-
parous or ovo- viviparous.
The larvae, on their first entrance into life, and they have been ob-
served positively in the act of escape from the parent, are excessively
minute : they possess a general resemblance in form to the well-known
Lepisma saccharina, being stoutest shortly behind the head and taper-
ing gradually to the posterior extremity : they are composed of
thirteen very distinct segments, and the tapering commences at or af-
ter the fourth : the first segment, evidently the head, is flattened,
rounded and obtuse ; and the antennae, supposing them present, are
so minute as hitherto to have escaped notice : the dorsal surface of
this anterior segment or head exhibits two dark, distant spots, which
have somewhat the appearance of eyes, but, except from analogy, I
find no evidence of their being such: the pro- meso- and metathorax
are each furnished with a pair of moderately long legs ; these are
usually curved and directed forwards : each of the segments following
the metathorax as far as the twelfth inclusive, has, at each posterior
angle, two or more minute setae directly backwards, and the last seg-
ment or telum is furnished with two larger and very distinct setae,
equal to half the body in length, and situated on minute, but distinct
papillae.
The larvae, which are excessively numerous, are found on the abdo-
mens of bees, chiefly those of the genus Andrena, nestling among the
hairs : in this situation it is very evident that they must accompany
the bee in all her wanderings, whether she visit flowers for food or to
provision her nest, or whether she occupy herself in the more labo-
rious task of preparing the habitation for her young. No doubt or
difficulty therefore attends the introduction of the foetal larva of Stylops
into the nest of the bee, on whose larvae it is about to become a para-
site : but a hiatus certainly occurs at this point of its history ; for it
must be recollected that at the time the parent bee is engaged in ex-
cavating, constructing, and provisioning its nest for its future pro-
geny, there are absolutely no bee-larvae in the nest : the laying of the
Insects. 1795
egg is the last act prior to closing the cell, and the foetal larva of Sty-
lops which we may reasonably enough suppose left in the nest by the
passing and repassing of the bee, must remain for some days without
food, or must devour a portion of the pollen or honey stored for the
larva of the bee.
However this may be, it soon undergoes an important transforma-
tion, analogous to that which I have characterized as the foetal meta-
morphosis of Crustacea ; that is to say, on undergoing its first ecdysis,
it assumes a normal form and habit ; and I consider it desirable that
I should, in a pointed manner, invite the attention of entomologists to
this peculiar metamorphosis in the larva of Stylops which I term
foetal, for it is of great moment in the present enquiry, and furnishes
us not merely with the means of clearing up a formidable difficulty in
the history of Stylops itself, but at the same time furnishes us with a
most valuable clew to its affinities, for it will be seen in the sequel
that the larvae of other insects possess a foetal metamorphosis, and that
such larvae present also very obvious structural affinities to that of
Stylops. The larva, with its first skin, sheds also its legs, and be-
comes perfectly, or at least apparently, apod ; it pierces the soft thin
skin of the bee-larva, enters the interior and feeds on its juices, like
the ichneumon-larva in the caterpillar of a butterfly, without attack-
ing any vital part or causing its supporter any serious injury. Dr.
Siebold, to whom we are indebted for the major part of these interest-
ing discoveries, informs us that, in its transformed state the Stylops-
larva appears to have a distinct mouth and jaws, a simple ccecal intes-
tine, and that he could discover no anal aperture. The number of seg-
ments is now reduced to nine, the four anterior ones being united, and
forming a single large and square segment, which he calls the cepha-
lothorax : in this state Dr. Siebold adds, that he could readily dis-
tinguish the males from the females, the cephalothorax of the males
being arched and conical, and the telum or last segment straight and
pointed ; whereas in the females • the cephalothorax is rounded or
truncated, and the telum is large and rounded. The position of this
larva is described by Jurine, who informs us that the anus or telum is
fixed between the segments of the bee's abdomen when that insect
has reached the imago state, and that the head is directed towards
the thorax of the bee. It is right in this place also to observe, that
Jurine, and other competent observers, have failed to discover the
mouth, so confidently spoken of by Siebold. Under these circum-
stances, no stress will be laid either on the absence or presence
1796 Insects.
of the mouth, and no attempt will be made to draw conclusions
therefrom.
The time spent by the Stylops in the larva state has not been ascer-
tained with precision, nor is it very probable that this will ever be the
case : but at that period of the year when the bee appears in the
imago state, and the presence of the parasite is detected by the pro-
trusion of its anal extremity between the segments of her abdomen,
the final ecdysis of the larva does not appear to have taken place :
supposing, therefore, the larva of the Stylops to have been left in the
domicile of the bee in June, and that the bee of the succeeding gene-
ration still retains the parasite unchanged, when it emerges in March
or April, we find that it has passed ten months in the larva state.
The bee itself, commonly undergoes the metamorphotic ecdysis at a
much earlier period, and I have on many occasions dug up the pupae
of Andrenae as early as August, and the perfect insects in December,
indeed so frequently has this been the case, that I incline to suppose
that the bee is generally mature and fit for emerging during the whole
of the winter, and merely awaits a degree of atmospheric warmth
suited to its requirings to burst its cell and make its appearance on
the wing. It should here be observed that all infested specimens of
bees thus prematurely exhumed, exhibit very distinctly the extremity
of the Stylops-larva protruding between the abdominal segments ;
and this, it must be observed, clearly establishes the fact that the pa-
rasite makes its entrance while the bee is in its larva state, and not as
once surmised, after it has arrived at maturity.
I have already said, that the period spent by the Stylops in the
larva state has never been ascertained with precision ; that in the
pupa state is also unascertained, but it is certainly very brief; it has
only been observed in a few instances, and only in one sex, viz., the
male. In the pupa state, the male Stylops has every part of the
imago perfectly and distinctly visible ; the antennae, legs, and wings
are quite detached from the body, but are enclosed in a delicate
transparent pellicle: the hind wings have not acquired their develop-
ment, but reach about half the length of the abdomen, and are ap-
pressed closely to the sides : the pupa, in every respect, resembles an
imago which has died from immersion in spirits prior to the complete
expansion of its wings : it is in all respects an imago, but an imago
arrested by death before it had taken flight. It will perhaps be said
that the pupa here described, differs from that figured and cha-
racterized by several entomologists of repute : the truth is, that the
Insects. 1797
entomologists in question, have never met with the pupa of the male
Stylops, or they never would have published the erroneous figures and
accounts to which I refer ; their supposed pupa is either the adult
female, or the larva of the same sex.
The adult male Stylops usually emerges in May or June : it leaves
a vast and unsightly cavity in the abdomen of the bee, and in this ca-
vity have been found two crumpled up pellicles, from which it has
escaped, the first, doubtless, on assuming the pupa state ; the second,
on attaining that of imago. Away it flies, in an undulating zig-zag
manner, and is distinguished from all other insects of its size by the
whiteness of its wings: it seeks those sunny spots in which the
Andrenae so much delight, and alights on the bees themselves in
search of one whose abdomen contains an adult female : the bee, thus
visited, appears excessively annoyed, and uses all manner of extra-
ordinary exertions to get rid of its unwelcome, but tenacious com-
panion. The abdomen of the male Stylops is comparatively small
and slender; it is extremely pliable, is capable of being twisted about
in all directions, and is used for the purpose of smoothing down or
cleaning the hind wings.
The adult female Stylops is totally different from the male, being
little more than an apod maggot ; as far as the observations of natu-
ralists have extended, there is no trace of legs, no distinct head, and,
in fact, no single character, except the reproductive faculty to induce
the conclusion that the creature has arrived at maturity. It never
leaves the abdomen of the bee, but there remains until death, which
probably takes place as soon as the young have escaped, and the
body of the parent has become a mere empty sac. The head is
deeply immersed in the bee, the anal segment or telum protruding be-
tween the segments of the bee's abdomen : this position is, of course,
equally adapted for receiving the embraces of the male, and for allow-
ing free egress for the young. The telum is remarkably separated
from the remaining segments by a. kind of neck : it seems to serve as
a pouch or marsupium for the reception of the newly-hatched
larvae, which, after descending from the ovary, where it would appear
they quit the egg, accumulate here by hundreds. Through a trans-
verse slit in this marsupium, the larvae escape and spread themselves
over the abdomen of the bee as already described ; this transverse
slit is on the upper side of the marsupium and placed considerably
before its extremity. All writers agree in describing the marsupium
as the head, and the slit as the mouth ; they also usually consider the
perfect female to be the pupa, without noticing the sex, and without
v 2 h
1 798 Insects.
suggesting that there may be a difference between the two : thus we
are told of the pupa of a winged insect producing young through its
mouth. The reason for my not embracing this view of the subject, is
that three conclusions are thus begged ; first, that in Stylops, the
pupa produces living young; secondly, that the head is filled with
these living young ; and thirdly, that the living young escape
through the mouth : both positive observation and analogical reason-
ing lead to the converse of these conclusions, and therefore the en-
quiry is not advanced by adopting them. I do not say they are un-
true, but I maintain that in the first place, they are unproved ; in
the second place they are improbable ; in the third place, they are
unnecessary.
§ 2. Comparative Economy and Metamorphosis of Stylops.
The penultimate state, or that immediately preceding the last ecdy-
sis, is that on which the metamorphotic method is founded, this state
is called the pupa, and its differences are ranged under three heads.
First, it is called isomorphous, when it resembles the imago in struc-
ture, in activity, in eating, and all respects, except in the perfect de-
velopment of wings. Secondly, it is called necromorphous, when it
resembles the imago in all respects, except in being perfectly quies-
cent> as though dead. Thirdly, it is amorphous, when it has no
similarity to the imago, either in figure or activity.* The penulti-
mate or pupa state of Stylops is necromorphous. The necro-
morphous classes are Hymenoptera and Coleoptera. The pupa
.of Stylops has no character by which it can be distinguished
from the usual pupae of these two classes. I know of no in-
sect in the isomorphous or amorphous classes that presents any avail-
able similarity to Stylops in its pupa state. We have, therefore, no
choice but to regard Stylops as belonging to the metamorphotic class
Necromorpha. It cannot be said to have an affinity with this class :
such an expression would not convey the truth ; it possesses all the
characters of the class in their typical or normal state.
The metamorphotic or double class Necromorpha exactly corres-
ponds with the two alary or single classes Hymenoptera and Coleop-
tera : as the pupa of these is exactly similar, it becomes necessary to
* See a more detailed account of the metamorphotic method in the ' Familiar
Introduction to the History of Insects,' page 73.
Insects. 1 799
consult the larva for comparison. The class Hymenoptera divides
readily into the following minor groups : —
Phyllophaga, of which the larva feeds on leaves : ex.
Tenthredo.
Xylophaga, of which the larva feeds on wood : ex. Sirex.
Cecidophaga, of which the larva feeds on galls : ex. Cynips.
Erucophaga, of which the larva feeds on the interior of other
larvae : ex. Ichneumon.
Entomophaga, of which the larva feeds on insects provided
by» the parent : ex. Sphex.
Pantophaga, of which the larva feeds on almost every kind of
animal or vegetable food provided by the parent : ex.
Vespa.
Anthophaga, of which the larva feeds on the honey and pol-
len of flowers provided by the parent : ex. Apis.
In all these groups the larvae are perfectly well known : in the first
they are long, cylindrical caterpillars, with six legs, and ten or twelve
prehensile abdominal organs that serve the same purpose : in the se-
cond, they are large white cylindrical maggots, with six short legs,
just sufficient to enable them to move in the passages they have made
in the wood on which they feed : in the remaining five, the larvae are
apod, obese maggots : in none has any metamorphotic character been
detected, and in none is there any, even the slightest structural resem-
blance to the foetal larva of Stylops. There exists, however, a consi-
derable analogy in economy between the metamorphotic larva of
Stylops when metamorphosed and the ametabolous larva of Ichneu-
mon ; the principal difference between the two being the fixedness of
the former, and the freedom of the latter, while immersed in the bow-
els of their respective prey : it must certainly be admitted, that in
their economy at this period there is great similarity ; and this simi-
larity has induced authors to question whether Stylops might not be
included among the erucophagous Hymenoptera : but such a conclu-
sion, on grounds so slender, is altogether inadmissible ; a parity of
reasoning would transfer Tenthredo to the Lepidoptera, and Sirex to
the macroceratous Coleoptera : all that can be made of the fact
in question is this, that, in one point of its economy, and at one
period of its existence, the larva of Stylops resembles that of
Ichneumon.
We now turn to the Coleoptera, divided into seven groups by the
structure and economy of the larva, but named from a parallel
1800 Insects.
discrepancy in the usual structure of the antenna? of the perfect
insect.
Schismatocera, in which the antennae have a lamellated
club : ex. Scarabceus.
Cordylocera, in which the antennae have a comparatively
solid club : ex. Silpha.
Nematocera, in which the antennae are filiform : ex. Ca-
rabus.
Macrocera, in which the antennae are filiform and remark-
ably long : ex. Cerambyx.
Brachycera, in which the antennae are subfiliform and short :
ex. Chrysomela.
Prionocera, in which the antennae are pectinated or serrated:
ex. Elater.
Hormocera, in which the antennae are moniliform: ex.
Blaps.
It will, perhaps, save the reader's time and my own, if we dismiss
without investigation, such of these groups as present no similarity in
their larvae to that of Stylops, these are the Schismatocera and Ma-
crocera. Among the other groups there are abundant instances of
partial similarity to the foetal larva of Stylops, but in the subdivisions
of one of them this similarity becomes very striking. I allude to the
Hormocera, a truly diversified group, but composed of genera asso-
ciated by important and constant characters ; the most marked of
which, is that they are all heteromerous. From these I select a few
examples.
Sitaris humeralis. The foetal larva of this beetle is extremely mi-
nute, active and hexapod : its general figure resembles that of Lepis-
ma saccharina, but it is somewhat more flattened ; the head is
marked by a distinct indentation or neck, and has two dark spots,
which may be supposed eyes, and two distinct antennae which
are about the same length as the head; these are (perhaps) four-
jointed and terminate in a seta : there are twelve other segments, the
last of which is furnished with two short appendages. We have no
record of any progressive growth or development of this larva ; its
history and structure are alike unknown until long after its metamor-
phosis ; it then appears as a white, obese, fleshy, apod maggot, in the
nest of that well-known bee Anthophora retusa : whether it enters the
larva of the bee and feeds on its substance, or devours the food stored
by the parent has not been determined : it is, however, quite certain
Insects. 1801
that its final change is completed within the bee's cell, and that it
emerges from this a perfectly developed beetle.
Symbius Blattarum. The larva very closely resembles that of
Sitaris in figure ; but has no anal appendages or setae. I cannot
make out whether it undergoes a fcetal metamorphosis. It inhabits
the body of the cockroach {Blatta), and feeds upon the interior.
The female retains the larva form, never assuming the appearance of
a beetle.
Horia maculata. The full-grown larva is obese, fleshy, and nearly
apod : it has indeed six legs, but these are very short and small : it
feeds in the cell of a wood-boring bee, and there undergoes its meta-
morphosis. As in the preceding instance, it has not been as-
certained whether the larva of Horia feeds on the bee-larva or on its
food.
Apalus bimaculatus. The foetal larva is excessively minute,
active, and in structure resembles that of Meloe, which I shall next
describe. It has not been traced beyond this fcetal state, there is no
doubt that it becomes parasitic, although its history is at present un-
known.
Meloe Proscarabceus. The fcetal larva of this insect has long been
well known to entomologists, but for some reason its true nature has
been doubted by two entomologists of great eminence, Dufour and
Kirby, both of whom regard it an ametabolous parasite, the former
describing it as a Triungulus, the latter as a Pediculus. Very many
years have now elapsed since I solved this matter to my complete sa-
tisfaction : I could not believe the statement so confidently made by
De Geer, although at that very time repeated by a friend from actual
observation, that the very minute active parasites of wild bees were
the larvae of that ponderous beetle Meloe : why did they grow no
bigger ? what could they feed on ? I procured the females of
Meloe ; I confined them with abundance of food, and a supply
of light and damp earth ; and I had the satisfaction to see that they
burrowed in the earth ; formed a kind of cell or receptacle, ap-
parently by kneading the earth ; filled the receptacle with a pro-
digious mass of minute yellow eggs ; and again returned to the sur-
face of the earth to devour leaves and grass as before. I watched
these eggs day by day, and at last 1 had the satisfaction to see them
produce minute active little larvae, with six longish curved prehensile
legs, and two long caudal setae ; in fact, they were the Triungulus
Andrenatarum of Dufour, and the Pediculus Melittae of Kirby. This
hatching took place in the autumn or late in the summer, and on the
1802 Insects.
very day it occurred, I went to several places which I had previously
known to be favourite resorts of Meloe, and there I found the flowers
of the dandelion covered with the same creatures, and I captured on
the flowers no less than eighty-five specimens of Panurgus ursinus —
a bee then new to me, — the whole of which were infested with this
parasite, two, three, four, or five on each : I compared those taken
from the bees and those bred by myself, and found them absolutely
identical. This larva is proportionately longer, and more linear than
those of Sitaris and Symbius ; the antennae, legs, and caudal setae are
longer; the head and thoracic segments are more distinct. When on
the body of the bee, these little larvae nestle among the hairs pre-
cisely in the same way as those of Stylops, and consequently are in
this position conveyed into the nest of the bee whenever she returns
home. This attachment to the bee seems for conveyance only, as re-
marked by Mr. Newport (Zool. 1241), to whom we are indebted for
the knowledge we possess of its subsequent history. It appears, that
after entering the nest of the bee this little creature, like the foetal
Stylops, undergoes a metamorphosis; it loses its legs, its slender,
elongate figure, and its activity, and becomes a large, white, fleshy,
apod maggot, bearing no resemblance whatever to the earlier stage of
its own existence. It is not supposed that this larva, now larger than
that of the bee, can feed within the latter : it were more rational to
believe that it devours the provisions provided by the parent-bee for
her progeny.
The foetal larvae of Cantharis and Lytta are said to resemble that of
Meloe : that of the very common Bipiphorus paradoxus must be re-
ferred to the same family, and it is a matter of regret that the history
of this well-known parasite of the wasp has never been traced : all
that we know, is, that the perfect insects emerge from the cells
of wasps in the same manner as the wasps themselves, a fact, which,
combined with its structure, compel us to refer it to this tribe of pa-
rasites.
Now, confining our attention to three species, Stylops Melittae,
Sitaris humeralis, and Meloe Proscarabaeus, and abandoning for the
present, all notice of others apparently allied, but whose economy has
not yet been ascertained ; we find they all possess a foetal metamor-
phosis, i. e., the larva is hatched under an abnormal or incomplete
form, a form in which it is unable to eat or grow ; and which appears
only designed to exist until a transit has been achieved by adven-
titious circumstances to a locality whence it can eat and grow, and
follow out its subsequent metamorphoses. The enormous number of
Insects. 1803
the fcetal, compared with the adolescent larvae of all those insects,
cannot escape observation, and appears an especial provision of
nature for the preservation of each ; myriads must perish, without
ever possessing a chance of accomplishing the first, or foetal ecdysis,
or metamorphosis. When, with the cautious and scrutinizing eyes
of entomologists, we compare the structure of these three larvae, we
find them to possess distinctive characters, whereby each may be rea-
dily known from either of the others. It is not my object to conceal,
or to palliate these differences, but rather to invite attention to their
careful examination and due appreciation ; for, supposing, as I do
suppose, that they are related, by certain analogies in structure, pre-
sent economy, and subsequent metamorphosis, still, I neither contend
nor imagine that that relation is sufficiently near to warrant our plac-
ing them consecutively in any arrangement: the genera Apalus,
Symbius, Ripidius (if distinct), Myodites (or Myodes), Ripiphorus,
and many others, some known, and others yet to be discovered, inter-
mix with that group to which Stylops, Sitaris, and Meloe appear to
belong, and in all probability, intervene between them. I would,
however, invite especial attention to the fact, that the discrepancy
among these fcetal larvae is not more strongly marked between the
genera Stylops and Meloe, or between Stylops and Sitaris, than it is
between Sitaris and Meloe ; indeed, in the last instance it is most ob-
servable ; and yet no one will doubt the existence of an approach
between the two last-named insects ; an obvious parity in econo-
my, metamorphosis, habit, and structure : so that the discrepancy of
the Stylops-larva from either being less than their mutual discrepancy,
cannot be availed of as an objection to the association of the three :
but, since its presence rather harmonizes the group, rather increases
than diminishes, the general uniformity of the group, and since it will
enter no other group in Coleoptera or any other class, because none
other possesses any parity of structure, economy and metamorphosis
combined; and none other a marked parity of either structure,
economy or metamorphosis, we have no option in a metamorphotic
system where to locate Stylops; we must place it in the necromor-
phous class Coleoptera, and in that division of the class in which the
parasitic heteromerous beetles have been associated by universal
consent.
In opposition to this view, should it be contended that the para-
sitism of Stylops and Meloe are not identical, Stylops being internal,
I am willing to admit the fact, but not the objection ; for in this re-
spect Stylops and Symbius agree, although Symbius and Meloe dif-
1804 Insects.
fer; and there is very strong ground for believing that Stylops and
Sitaris agree, and that Sitaris and Meloe differ ; and he were a shal-
low systematist, who should, on this ground, remove Symbius or Si-
taris from the Coleoptera and transplant it to the Strepsiptera, yet
such a result must follow the establishment of the objection under
consideration. By a parity of reasoning, the Ichneumons and golden-
wasps and cuckow-bees could not be associated in the great class of
Hymenoptera.
Edward Newman.
In concluding this portion of the inquiry, I would earnestly entreat
the reader to confine his attention to the characters discussed ; and if
he considers it necessary to reply, to restrict that reply to the obser-
vations made on economy and metamorphosis, and the conclusions
drawn therefrom. I have not assumed that I shall derive any sup-
port to my theory from an anatomical examination of the imago, let
that speak for itself when printed : I warn the reader that an appeal
from economy to anatomy, in the present stage of the inquiry,
must be regarded as evasory, and as exhibiting an inability to
grapple fairly with the subject under discussion. — E. N.
(To be continued).
Capture of Claviger foveolatus in Oxfordshire. — As Mr. Willoughby Beauchamp
and myself were collecting insects near the peat field at Weston, on the 15th of this
month, we were so fortunate as to meet with a fine specimen of the Claviger foveola-
tus in a nest of the small black ant, (F. fused). I have forwarded this notice of its
capture in case you should consider it worthy of inserting in the ' Zoologist,' as I am
not aware that this singular insect has occurred in this neighbourhood since it was
originally discovered by Mr. Westwood in Wychwood Forest. — A. Matthews ; Wes-
ton-on-the- Green, May 24th, 1847.
Capture of Omias Bohemani. — Among a collection of insects received from Dr.
Johnston, I find a specimen of Omias Bohemani, taken in Berwickshire during the
past month. As this is the first instance of its occurrence in Scotland, it may be wor-
thy of notice. It appears to be a vernal insect, as of five specimens which I swept
up in this vicinity, on the banks of the Derwent, in 1845, all were taken in May and
June. — James Hardy ; Gateshead, May 6th, 1847.
Habits of Haltica vittata. — Haltica vittata, in company with H. Napi, frequents
Cardamine amara, and injures the young shoots. It is a vernal species, and though
local, is sometimes abundant. In March of this season, I found a specimen of it and
H. Napi, buried deep in the marshy soil in which their favourite plant grows. — Id.
Microscopical Society. 1805
Occurrence of Macroplea Equiseti near Cambridge. — A specimen of this rare in-
sect was brought to me a few weeks ago, collected from the refuse which was washed
up during a late flood. It had but just attained the imago state, and, when found,
had not even emerged from the cocoon. Nevertheless, it was on the very point of do-
ing so, for on breaking it open, by mistake, outwalked Macroplea, perfect and mature.
Professor Henslow informs me that he formerly captured a pair in the river Cam,
about two miles from Cambridge, which are now, I believe, in the possession of the
Rev. Leonard Jenyns. I have heard the opinion more than once expressed, that the
present insect is not distinct from Zosterae. But this can scarcely be correct, the ap-
pearance of the two species being in every respect dissimilar. Not to mention less
obvious distinctions, — the larger size of Equiseti, more robust form, and dark tips of
the thighs and tibiae, at once afford characters, which, when seen, cannot possibly be
mistaken. — T. Vernon Wollaston ; Jesus College, Cambridge, Mag 3rd, 1847.
Capture of Pissodes Pini at Gosforth, Northumberland. — Within the last few days
I have captured a fine series of this rare insect. On the 24th of May, I made a short
excursion to Gosforth Woods ; and noticing some stumps of Scotch fir (Pinus sylves-
tris), I was led to examine them, in hopes of finding some old favourites, (Ips, &c).
In this I was disappointed ; but a search of the branches and chips of the same tree,
which were lying on the grass, was rewarded with ten specimens of Pissodes Pini, liv-
ing in apparent harmony with the hundreds of Hylobius Abietis inhabiting the same
situation. A few days later I again visited the locality, with tolerable success, adding
a few interesting varieties to my collection, also meeting with a pair of Ips fer-
ruginea. — Thomas John Bold; 42, Bigg Market, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, June
8th, 1847.
Report of the Microscopical Society of London.
May 19th, 1847. — J. S. Bowerbank, Esq., F.R.S., President, in the Chair.
A paper by John Quekett, Esq., 'On the minute arrangement of the Capil-
laries in the respiratory organs of Fishes' was read. The author, after describing
briefly the structure and arrangement of capillaries generally, stated that, it was to
the microscope that we were mainly indebted for what was known of the capillaries
and of the capillary circulation ; he then alluded to the large size of the capillaries in
the Reptilia, and to their minuteness in the gills of fishes, these last he purposed to
consider more in detail. In osseous fish, he stated there were four gills on each side,
supported on long, curved, branchial arches. Each gill, consisted either of a single
or double series of lancet-shaped filaments attached to the branchial arch like the teeth
of a comb. In some animals these filaments or lamellae, as they have been termed,
were united at their bases, and upon them the respiratory mucous membrane was won-
derfully plicated, the plicae lying always in a direction at right angles to the lamella.
The arteries which bring the impure blood to the gills run along the convex borders of
the branchial arch, whilst the vein ran in the opposite direction. Each artery gave
off as many branches as there were lamellae, the branches divided twice, and then ran
along oue edge of the plicae of mucous membrane on the lamellae, and the vein on the
opposite edge and between these vessels was the most minute plexus of capillaries ever
yet described : they formed a delicate hexagonal net- work precisely analogous to that
v 2 I
1806 Birds.
in the lungs of all vertebrate animals, the spaces between the capillaries were much
less than the diameter of the capillaries themselves, and in the eel they were so close
together, that a tolerably good defining power was required to separate them. The
author also exhibited a lamella from the gill of a skate, in which the capillaries were
much larger and more plainly seen than in those of the eel. He then concluded by
stating that he had been acquainted with this arrangement of vessels for some years
past, but never having seen it described in works on the anatomy of fishes, he was in-
duced to lay the same before the Society, as without the aid of the microscope the de-
licate arrangement of the respiratory vessels in these animals could never have been
witnessed. — J. W.
Occurrence of a Pine Marten in Surrey. — At a meeting of the Surrey Natural
History Society, held at the Museum, Guildford, on Thursday evening, the 3rd of
June, R. A. C. Austen, Esq., one of the vice-presidents, informed the Society that a
pine marten had been recently caught in a wood near Blackheath, Albury, by Edward
Bray, Esq., of Shere. — A. Irvine ; Guildford, June 4th, 1847.
The Gyr-Falcon. — " As soon as I got on shore, I saw a multitude of small birds of
prey. They keep in flocks, like our sparrows, hopping about everywhere, and perching
on hedges and housetops. I anxiously wished for an opportunity to make myself bet-
ter acquainted with one of them. Presuming that shooting in the town might be dis-
pleasing to the inhabitants, who would naturally claim to themselves a sort of exclu-
sive sporting right, I took my gun down to the sea-shore, and there shot one of the
birds. It belonged to the gyr-falcon family (Polyborinidce), and was one of the species
peculiar to South America (Polyborus chimango, Vieil.). The whole of the upper part
of the body is brown, but single feathers here and there have a whitish-brown edge.
On the tail are several indistinct oblique stripes. The under part of the body is
whitish-brown, and is also marked with transverse stripes feebly defined. The bird I
shot measured, from the point of the beak to the end of the tail, 1 foot 6| inches.
Though these gyr-falcons live socially together, yet they are very greedy and conten-
tious about their prey. They snap up, as food, all the offal thrown out of doors ; and
thus they render themselves serviceable to the inhabitants, who consequently do not
destroy them. In some of the valleys of Peru I met with these birds again, but very
rarely, and always single and solitary. I coutiuued my excursions on the sea-shore,
but with little satisfaction, for the pouring rain had driven animals of every kind to
their lurking holes." — Tschudis Travels in Peru.
Occurrence of Montagu's Harrier near Kingsbridge. — I beg to inform you of the oc-
currence of a fine mature female specimen of Montagu's harrier {Circus Montagui) ; the
bird was shot near Kingsbridge on the 14th inst., its weight was ten and three-quarter
ounces, length eighteen inches, breadth three feet four inches and a half. I found on
dissection, the largest of the ovary to be about the size of a pea, and should suppose
the bird would not nest until late in the season ; to my astonishment, its stomach con-
tained parts of the shells of eggs of small birds, which I suppose to be skylarks and
Birds. 1807
willow wrens, and one perfect egg of the skylark, which appeared to have been set on
about a week, as I found on emptying it, the young to be distinctly formed : there were
no remains whatever of anything else. In September last T received a bird (shot by a
friend in this neighbourhood, and now in the possession of John Elliott, Esq., of
this place), which I suppose to be a young male of this species, with its nesting dress ;
its weight being somewhat about nine ounces ; the colour being of a uniform very
dark brown (appearing almost black at a little distance), except a broken patch of
white at the nape ; the upper tail-coverts, instead of being white, as described of that
bird, is of the same dark colour.— Henry Nicholls, Jun. ; Kingsbridge, South Devon,
May 24th, 1847.
Occurrence of the Osprey and of the Grasshopper Warbler's Nest near Downham
Market. — On Monday, the 3rd of May last, an adult male osprey was shot at Should-
ham, near this place ; and on Monday last, a nest of the grasshopper warbler, con-
taining five eggs, was taken near here: they are all in my possession. If you
think the above captures, or either of them, would be interesting to the subscribers
to the ' Zoologist,' you would much oblige me by their insertion. — Cooper Coulcher ;
Downham Market, Norfolk, May 27th, 1847.
Nest of Savi's Warbler near Cambridge. — On Thursday, the 10th of June, I found
in a part of our fen near Wicken, about twelve miles from Cambridge, a nest of Savi's
warbler, containing three eggs. The nest was placed close to the ground, and is com-
posed entirely of sedge entwined together, and without any interlining. The shy ha-
bits of this bird may account for its being so little known ; as they are seldom seen or
heard except early in the morning, or towards dusk in the evening, when their peculiar
note may be heard in company with the grasshopper warbler, but from which they are
easily distinguished by their softer and higher note. I have also observed them in
the fens of Huntingdonshire. — John Brown ; 30, Bridge Street, Cambridge, June
25 th, 1847.
Java Sparrow breeding in England. — As I have never met with any notice of the
Java sparrow (Fringilla oryzivora) having bred in England, perhaps the following
statement may be acceptable to the readers of the ■ Zoologist.' The pair of birds
have been in my possession for more than two years, and lived all the last winter in an
aviary, thatched, but otherwise open to the external air ; and early in May I observed
both birds very busily occupied in collecting straws, the stems of dried plantain, and
short sticks in one of the compartments of a box placed for the accommodation of some
turtle-doves. The young birds (three in number and two addle eggs) were hatched
about the 1st of June, but up to the present time, though apparently healthy, and the
quill and tail-feathers fully developed, they have made no attempt to leave the nest.
I wish just. to notice what is stated in the account of this bird in Swainson's * Zoolo-
gical Illustrations,' that the male bird only has the white patch on the ear, and the
plate is coloured to correspond. Now, both my birds are exactly similar in plumage,
and the only difference I can perceive, is, that the one I imagine to be the hen-bird
is rather the smaller of the two ; but the difference is so slight, that it is almost im-
possible to tell one from the other, especially as they are both equally attentive to
their young family. — Robert M. Lingwood ; Lyston, near Ross, Herefordshire, June
23rd, 1847.
Dates of Arrival of Summer Birds at Broadway, Worcestershire. — As you admit
into your Journal lists of the appearance and departure of our migratory birds in dif-
ferent localities, I have sent you an account of those most common to this neighbour-
1808 Bird*.
hood. I have kept a journal of such things during the last fifteen years, but I send
only the last two, these seasons having been so very different, as to give a fair idea of
the variation caused by the weather. The place where I reside is not far from the
centre of England, so that the time taken by the birds to travel from the coast to the
iuterior of the country may be pretty accurately ascertained. The winter visitants
shall follow in due time.
1846. 1847.
Chiffchaff March31 Chiffchaff March 26
Blackcap April 5 Wheatear March 27
Redstart April 10 Redstart March 31
Wryneck April 10 Wryneck April 16
Swallow April 14 Whinchat April 19
Willow wren April 18 Tree pipit April 21
Tree pipit April 31 Swallow April 23
Wheatear April 23 Willow wren April 23
Nightingale April 23 Cuckow April 26
Yellow wagtail April 23 Housemartin April 29
Whitethroat April 23 Nightingale April 30
Cuckow April 25 Whitethroat April 30
Goatsucker May 1 Yellow wagtail April 30
Housemartin May 1 Goatsucker May 5
Swift May 5 Blackcap May 8
Red-backed shrike May 16 Swift ,... May 11
Spotted flycatcher May 20 Red-backed shrike May 11
Spotted flycatcher May 20
— John N. Beadles ; Broadway, Worcestershire, June 16th, 1847.
Extracts from the * Birds of Jamaica, by Philip Henry Gosse.'*
[When Mr. Gosse left these shores, on a visit to the beautiful Island of Jamaica,
he kindly promised to send me an occasional contribution for the ' Zoologist,' a hasty
sketch of his observations as he passed from place to place : his time, however, seems
to have been too fully occupied to recollect the hopes he had excited, and now the re-
sult of his observations appears in a goodly tome of four hundred pages. It is a choice
volume, and almost without an equal in modern natural-history literature. The fol-
lowing extracts will be agreeable to all our readers. — Edward Newman].
The John-Crow Vulture (Cathartes aura). — " A poor German immigrant, who lived
alone in a detached cottage in this town, rose from his bed, after a two days' confine-
ment by fever, to purchase in the market some fresh meat for a little soup. Before he
could do more than prepare the several ingredients of herbs and roots, and put his
meat in water for the preparation of his pottage, the paroxysm of fever had returned,
and he laid himself on his bed, exhausted. Two days elapsed in this state of help-
lessness and inanition, by which time the mass of meat and potherbs had putrefied.
The stench becoming very perceptible in the neighbourhood, vulture after vulture, as
they sailed past, were observed always to descend to the cottage of the German, and to
sweep round as if they had tracked some putrid carcase, but failed to find exactly
London : Van Voorst, 1847.
Birds. 1809
where it was. This led the neighbours to apprehend that the poor man lay dead in
his cottage, as no one had seen him for the two days last past. His door was broken
open ; he was found in a state of helpless feebleness ; but the room was most insuffer-
ably offensive from something putrefying, which could not immediately be found ; for
the fever having deprived the German of his wits, he had no recollection of his un-
cooked mess of meat and herbs. No one imagining that the kitchen pot could con-
tain anything offensive, search was made everywhere but in the right place. At last,
the pot-lid was lifted, and the cause of the insupportable stench discovered in the cor-
rupted soup-meat.
" Here we have the sense of smelling directing the vultures, without any assist-
ance from the sense of sight, and discovering unerringly the locality of the putrid
animal matter, when even the neighbours were at fault in their patient search.
" Some few days succeeding this occurrence, after a night and morning of heavy
rain, in which our streets had been inundated to the depth ofs a foot, and flood after
flood had been sweeping to the river the drainage of the whole town, a piece of recent
offal had been brought down from some of the yards where an animal had been
slaughtered, and lodged in the street. A vulture, beating about in search of food,
dashed in a slanting direction from a considerable height, and, just resting, without
closing his wings, snatched up the fresh piece of flesh and carried it off.
" Here was the sense of sight unassisted by that of smelling, for the meat was too
recent to communicate any taint to the morning air, and the vulture stooped to it from
a very far distance.
" On another occasion, very near to the time when these facts attracted my notice,
a dead rat had been thrown out, early in the morning, into the street, having been
caught in the previous night. Two vultures sailing over head in quest of a morning
meal descended at the same time, stooping to the dead rat, the one from the south
the other from the north, and both seized the object of attraction at the same
moment.
" Here again was the vision, unaided by the sensitiveness of the nostrils, direct-
ing two birds, with the same appetite, at the same moment, to the same object.
" For the next example I am indebted to the records of a police court. A clerk in
the engineer department at Up-park Camp, brought before the magistrates of St.
Andrew's, on the 20th of January, 1840, a man who had been beset in the night by the
dogs of the barracks. The poultry-yard had been repeatedly robbed ; and this person
was supposed to have been prowling after the roost-fowls at the time the dogs rose
upon him. This case had been heard, and the man committed to the house of correc-
tion, when a complaint was presented against another man, whom Major G., also of
the camp, had detected under similar circumstances, and lodged in the guard-house.
"Two days after his detection, the Major observed some carrion vultures hovering
about a spot in the fields, and on sending to see what was the matter, a Kilmarnock
cap, containing a dead fowl and some eggs, tied up in a pair of old trowsers, was
found very near to the spot where the prisoner was caught. This discovery, by the aid
of the vultures, confirming the suspicion against the prisoner, he was condemned.
" The last instance that I shall relate is one in which the senses of hearing, see-
ing, and smelling were all exercised, but not under the influence of the usual appetite
for carrion food, but where the object was a living, though wounded animal.
" A person in the neighbourhood of the town, having his pastures much trespassed
on by vagrant hogs, resorted to his gun to rid himself of the annoyance. A pig,
1810 Birds.
which had been mortally wounded, and had run squealing and trailing his blood
through the grass, had not gone far before it fell in the agonies of death. At the mo-
ment the animal was perceived to be unable to rise, three vultures, at the same instant,
descended upon it, attracted no doubt by the cries of the dying pig, and by the scent
of its reeking blood, and while it was yet struggling for life, began to tear open its
wounds, and devour it." — p. 2.
The Potoo (Nyctibius jamaicen sis). — " The statement of Cuvier, that ' the propor-
tions of the Nyctibius completely disqualify it from rising from a level surface,' I saw
disproved ; for notwithstanding the shortness of the tarsi, (and it is, indeed, extreme),
my bird repeatedly alighted on, and rose from, the floor, without effort. When rest-
ing on the floor, the wings were usually spread ; when perching, they about reached
the tip of the tail. If I may judge of the habits of the potoo from what little I have
observed of it when at liberty, and from the manners of my captive specimen, I pre-
sume that, notwithstanding the powerful wings, it flies but little ; but that, sitting on
some post of observation, it watches there till some crepuscular beetle wings by, on
which it sallies out, and having captured it with its cavernous and viscid mouth, re-
turns immediately to its station. Mr. Swainson appears to consider that the stiff
bristles, with which many Caprimulgidcc are armed, have a manifest relation to the
size and power of their prey, beetles and large moths, while these appendages are not
needed in the swallows, their prey consisting of ' little soft insects.' — (Class Birds).
But here is a species whose prey is the hardest and most rigid beetles, of large size,
and often set with formidable horns, which has no true rictal bristles at all ! " —
p. 45.
******
U White's conjecture of the purpose to which the serrated toe of the nightjar is ap-
plied, namely, the better holding of the prey which it takes with its foot while flying,
would have been more than rendered highly probable by an inspection of the foot of
the Nyctibius. The inner front toe and the back toe are spread out by the great ex-
tension of the enveloping flesh of the phalanges, to such a breadth as to give the foot
the character and form of a hand ; while the movement of these prehensile organs is
so adjusted that the back toe and the three front toes, pressed flat against one another,
can enclose anything as effectually as the palms of the hands. The [claw of the]
middle toe, which is serrated in the Caprimulgus, is simply dilated in the Nyctibius, a
peculiarity also of the swallows. Whatever deficiency of prehension this may give it,
when compared to the power of the serrated nail of the Caprimulgus, is amply com-
pensated for in the Nyctibius by the palm-like character of the foot, by the extraordi-
nary expansion of the toes, and by the quantity of membrane connecting them
together. All this would be a mer£ waste of power if it did not perform some
function like that which White assigned to the foot of the night-jar." — p. 48.
The Palm-swift (Tachornis phcenicobia). — " I observed several small swallows fly-
ing above some cocoa-nut palms; they uttered, as they flew, a continued twittering
warble, shrill but sweet, which attracted my attention. I commenced a careful
search with my eye of the under surface of the fronds and spadices of one, and at
length discerned some masses of cotton projecting from some of the spathes, which I
concluded to be their nests. This conjecture proved correct ; for presently I disco-
vered a bird clinging to one of these masses, which I shot, and found to be this white-
rumped swift. On my lad's attempt to climb the tree, eight or ten birds ilew in suc-
cession from various parts, where they had been concealed before. The tree, however,
Birds. 1811
was too smooth to be climbed, and as we watched beneath for the birds to return, one
and another came, but charily, and entered their respective nests. Although several
other cocoa-nuts were close by, I could not discern that any one of them was tenanted
but this, and this so numerously, whence I inferred the social disposition of the bird.
At some distance we found another tree, at the foot of which lay the dried fronds,
spadices, and spathes, which had been, in the course of growth, thrown off; and in
these were many nests. They were formed chiefly in the hollow spathes, and were
placed in a series of three or four in a spathe, one above another, and agglutinated
together, but with a kind of gallery along the side communicating with each. The
material seemed only feathers and silk-cotton (the down of the Bombax) ; the former
very largely used, the most downy placed within, the cotton principally without; the
whole felted closely, and cemented together by some slimy fluid, now dry, probably the
saliva. With this they were glued to the spathe, and that so strongly, that in tearing
one out it brought away the integument of the spathe. The walls of the nests, though
for the most part only about a quarter of an inch thick, were felted so strongly as to
be tenacious almost as cloth. Some were placed within those spathes that yet con-
tained the spadices ; and in this case the various footstalks of the fruit were enclosed
in a large mass of the materials, the walls being greatly thickened. All the nests
were evidently old ones, for the Bombax had not yet perfected its cotton ; and hence
I infer that these birds continue from year to year to occupy the same nests, until they
are thrown off by the growth of the tree. The entrance to the nests, which were sub-
globular, was near the bottom." — p. 60.
* * * * * *
" Near the middle of May, my servant Sam, being engaged at Culloden, in West-
moreland parish, cutting the fronds of the palmetto (Chameerops) for thatching, found
these little birds nestling in abundance, and procured for me many nests of the present
season. Their recent construction, and perhaps the diversity of their situation — for
instead of the hollow of a spathe these were attached to the plaited surface of the
fronds — gave them a different appearance from the former specimens. Many of these
I have now in my possession. They have a singularly hairy appearance, being com-
posed almost exclusively of the flax-like cotton of the Bombax, and, when separated,
are not unlike a doll's wig. They are in the form of those watch-fobs which are hung
at beds' heads, the backs being firmly glued by saliva to the under surface of
the fronds, the impressions of the plaits of which are conspicuous on the nests when
separated. The thickness is slight in the upper part, but in the lower it is much in-
creased, the depth of the cup descending very little below the opening. The cotton is
cemented firmly together, as in the case of the others, but externally it is allowed to
hang in filamentous locks, having a woolly, but not altogether a ragged appearance.
A few feathers are intermixed, but only singly, and not in any part specially. One
specimen is double, two nests having been constructed so close side by side, that there
is but a partition wall between them. Many nests had eggs, but in throwing down
the fronds all were broken but one, which I now have. It is pure white, unspotted,
larger at one end, measuring thirteen-twentieths of an inch by nine -twentieths. The
average dimensions of the nests were about 5 inches high, and 3^ wide." — p. 62.
The Green Tody or Robin Redbreast (Todus viridis). — " One captured with a net
in April, on being turned into a room, began immediately to catch flies and other mi-
nute insects that flitted about, particularly little destructive Tineadse that infested my
dried birds. At this employment he continued incessantly, and most successfully, all
1812 Birds.
that evening, and all the next day from earliest dawn till dusk. He would sit on the
edge of the tahles, on the lines, on shelves, or on the iloor, ever glancing about, now
and then flitting up into the air, when the snap of his beak announced a capture, and
he returned to some station to eat it. He would peep into the lowest and darkest
corners, even under the tables, for the little globose, long-legged spiders, which he
would drag from their webs and swallow. He sought these also about the ceiling and
walls, and found very many. I have said that he continued at this employment all
day without intermission, and, though I took no account, I judged that, on an ave-
rage, he made a capture per minute. We may thus form some idea of the immense
number of insects destroyed by these and similar birds ; bearing in mind that this
was in a room, where the human eye scarcely recognized a dozen insects altogether ;
and that in the free air insects would doubtless be much more numerous. Water in a
basin was in the room, but I did not see him drink, though occasionally he perched on
the brim ; and when I inserted his beak into the water he would not drink. Though
so actively engaged in his own occupation, he cared nothing for the presence of man ;
he sometimes alighted voluntarily on our heads, shoulders, or fingers ; and when sit-
ting would permit me at any time to put my hand over him and take him up ; though
when in the hand he would struggle to get out. He seemed likely to thrive, but in-
cautiously settling in front of a dove-cage, a surly baldpate poked his head through
the wires, and with his beak aimed a cruel blow at the pretty green head of the unof-
fending aud unsuspecting tody. He appeared not to mind it at first, but did not
again fly, and about an hour afterwards, on my taking him into my hand, and throw-
ing him up, he could only flutter to the ground, and on laying him on the table, he
stretched out his little feet, shivered, and died." — p. 74.
The Long-tailed Humming-bird (Trochilus Polytmus). — " While I lingered in the
romantic place, picking up some of the land shells which were scattered among the
rocks, suddenly I heard the whirr of a humming bird, and, looking up, saw a female
Polytmus hovering opposite the nest, with a mass of silk cotton in her beak. Deterred
by the sight of me, she presently retired to a twig, a few paces distant, on which she
sat. I immediately sunk down among the rocks as quietly as possible, and remained
perfectly still. In a few seconds she came again, and after hovering a moment dis-
appeared behind one of the projections, whence in a few seconds she emerged again
and flew off. I then examined the place, and found to my delight a new nest, in all
respects like the old one, but unfinished, affixed to another twig not a yard from it. I
again sat down among the stones in front, where I could see the nest, not concealing
myself, but remaining motionless, waiting for the petite bird's reappearance. I had
not to wait long i a loud whirr, and there she was, suspended in the air before her
nest : she soon espied me, and came within a foot of my eyes, hovering j ust in front of
my face. I remained still, however, when I heard the whirring of another just above
me, perhaps the male, but I durst not look towards him, lest the turning of my head
should frighten the female. In a minute or two the other was gone, and she alighted
again on the twig, where she sat some little time preening her feathers, and apparently
clearing her mouth from the cotton fibres, for she now and then swiftly projected the
tongue an inch and a half from the beak, continuing the same curve as that of the
beak. When she arose it was to perform a very interesting action ; for she flew to
the face of the rock, which was thickly clothed with soft dry moss, and hovering on the
wing, as if before a flower, began to pluck the moss, until she had a large bunch of it
in her beak ; then I saw her fly to the nest, and having seated herself in it, proceed to
Birds. 1813
place the new material, pressing, and arranging, and interweaving the whole with her
beak, while she fashioned the cup-like form of the interior by the pressure of her white
breast, moving round and round as she sat. My presence appeared to be no hindrance
to her proceedings, though only a few feet distant ; at length she left again, and I left
the place also. On the 8th of April I visited the cave again, and found the nest per-
fected, and containing two eggs, which were not hatched on the 1st of May, on which
day I sent Sam to endeavour to secure both dam and nest. He found her sitting, and
had no difficulty in capturing her, which, with the nest and its contents, he carefully
brought down to me. I transferred it, having broken one egg by accident, to a cage,
and put in the bird; she was mopish, however, and quite neglected the nest, as she
did also some flowers which I inserted ; sitting moodily on a perch. The next
morning she was dead." — p. 103.
" At my first attempt [to keep humming-birds in confinement], in the spring of
1845, I transferred such as I succeeded in bringing alive, to cages immediately on
their arrival at the house, and though they did not beat themselves, they soon sunk
under the confinement. Suddenly they would fall to the floor of the cage, and lie
motionless with closed eyes ; if taken into the hand, they would perhaps seem to re-
vive for a few moments ; then throw back the pretty head, or toss it to and fro, as if
in great suffering, expand the wings, open the eyes, slightly puff up the feathers of
the breast, and die, usually without any convulsive struggle. This was the fate of my
first attempts.
" In the autumn, however, they began to be numerous again upon the mountain,
and having, on the 13th of November, captured two young males, sucking the pretty
pink flowers of Urena lobata I brought them home in a covered basket. The tail-
feathers of the one were undeveloped, those of the other half their full length. I did
not cage them, but turned them out into the open room, in which the daily work of
preparing specimens was carried on, having first secured the doors and windows.
They were lively but not wild ; playful towards each other, and tame with respect to
myself, sitting unrestrained for several seconds at a time on my finger. I collected a
few flowers and placed them in a vase on a high shelf, and to these they resorted im-
mediately. But I soon found that they paid attention to none but Asclepias curassa-
vica, and slightly to a large Ipomea. On this I again went out, and gathered a large
bunch of Asclepias, and was pleased to observe, that on the moment of my entering
the room, one flew to the nosegay and sucked while I held it in my hand. The other
soon followed, and then both these lovely creatures were buzzing together within an
inch of my face, probing the flowers so eagerly as to allow their bodies to be touched
without alarm. These flowers being placed in another glass, they visited each bou-
quet in turn, now and then flying after each other playfully through the room, or
alighting on various objects. Though occasionally they flew against the window,
they did not flutter and beat themselves at it, but seemed well content with their pa-
role. As they flew, I repeatedly heard them snap the beak, at which times they
doubtless caught minute flies. After some time, one of them suddenly sunk down in
one comer, and on being taken up seemed dying : it had perhaps struck itself in fly-
ing. It lingered awhile, and died. The other continued his vivacity ; perceiving
that he had exhausted the flowers, I prepared a tube, made of the barrel of a goose-
quill, which I inserted into the cork of a bottle, to secure its steadiness and upright
position, and filled with juice of sugar-cane. I then took a large Ipomea, and having
cut off the bottom, I slipped the flower over the tube, so that the quill took the place
v 2k
1814 Birds,
of the nectary of the flower. The bird flew to it in a moment, clung to the bottle rim,
and bringing his beak perpendicular, thrust it into the tube. It was at once evident
that the repast was agreeable, for he continued pumping for several seconds, and on
his flying off I found the quill emptied. As he had torn off the flower in his eager-
ness for more, and even followed the fragments of the corolla, as they lay on the table,
to search them, I refilled the quill and put a blossom of the Marvel of Peru into it, so
that the flower expanded over the top. The little toper found it again, and after
drinking freely, withdrew his beak, but the blossom was adhering to it as a shealh.
This incumbrance he presently got rid of, and then (which was most interesting to me)
he returned immediately, and inserting his beak into the bare quill, finished the con-
tents. It was amusing to see the odd position of his head and body as he clung to
the bottle with his beak inserted perpendicularly into the cork. Several times in the
course of the evening he had recourse to his new fountain, which was as often replen-*
ished for him, and at length, about sunset, betook himself to a line stretched acijoss
the room for repose. He slept as they all do, with the head not behind the wing, but
slightly drawn back upon the shoulders, and in figure reminded me of Mr. Gould's
beautiful plate of Trogon resplendens, in miniature. In the morning I found him
active before sunrise, already having visited his quill of syrup, which he emptied a
a second time. After some hours, he flew through a door which I had incautiously
left open, and, darting through the window of the next room, escaped, to my no small
chagrin." — p. 113.
The Mocking Bird (Mimas polyglottus). — " It is in the stillness of the night, when,
like his European namesake [the nightingale], he delights —
* With wakeful melody to cheer
The livelong hours,'
that the song of this J&ird is heard to advantage. Sometimes, when, desirous of
watching the first flight of Urania Sloaneus, I have ascended the mountains before
break of day, I have been charmed with the rich gushes and bursts of melody proceed-
ing from this most sweet songster, as he stood on tiptoe on the topmost twig of some
sour-sop or orange tree, in the rays of the bright moonlight. Now he is answered by
another, and now another joins the chorus from the trees around, till the woods and
savannahs are ringing with the delightful sounds of exquisite and innocent joy. Nor
is the season of song confined, as in many birds, to that period when courtship and in-
cubation call forth the affections and sympathies of the sexes towards each other. The
mocking-bird is vocal at all seasons ; and it is probably owing to his permanency of
song, as well as to his incomparable variety, that the savannahs and lowland groves of
Jamaica are almost always alive with melody, though our singing birds are so few."
— p. 145.
***** *
When young are in possession, their presence is no secret ; for an unpleasant
sound, half hissing, half whistling, is all day long issuing from their unfledged throats :
delightful efforts, I dare say, to the fond parents. At this time the old birds are
watchful and courageous. If an intruding boy or naturalist approaches their family,
they hop from twig to twig, looking on with outstretched neck, in mute but evident
solicitude ; but any winged visitant, though ever so unconscious of evil intent, and
though ever so large, is driven away with fearless pertinacity. The saucy Ani and
Birds. 1815
tinkling instantly yield the sacred neighbourhood, the brave mocking-bird pursuing a
group of three or four, even to several hundred yards distance ; and even the John-
crow, if he sail near the tree, is instantly attacked and driven from the scene. But
the hogs are the creatures that give him the most annoyance. They are ordinarily
fed upon the inferior oranges, the fruit being shaken down to them in the evenings ;
hence they acquire the habit of resorting to the orange trees, to wait for a lucky wind-
fall. The mocking-bird, feeling nettled at the intrusion, flies down and begins to
peck the hog with all his might : Piggy, not understanding the matter, but pleased
with the titillation, gently lies down and turns up his broad side to enjoy it ; the poor
bird gets into an agony of distress, pecks and pecks again, but only increases the en-
joyment of the luxurious intruder, and is at last compelled to give up the effort in
despair." — p. 147.
The Tinkling Grakle (Quiscalus crassirostris). — "Like the ani, the tinkling feeds
on the parasites of cattle. Walking among them, and mounting on their backs, they
pick off the ticks that so sadly infest the poor beasts, who, as if appreciating the ser-
vice, offer not the slightest molestation to their kind friends. I one day observed a
tinkling thus engaged in feeding her offspring. It was in the picturesque pasture of
Peter's Vale, where kine were numerous. Beneath the grateful shade of a spreading
mango, in the heat of the day, a cow was peacefully ruminating ; at her feet was the
old tinkling, walking round, and looking up at her with an intelligent eye. Presently,
she espied a tick upon the cow's belly, and, leaping up, seized it in her beak ; then
marching to her sable offspring, who stood looking on a few yards off, she proceeded
to deliver the savoury morsel into the throat of her son, who had gaped to the utmost
stretch of his throat in eager expectation, even before his mother was near him. This
done, she returned, and, again walking round, scrutinized the animal's body, but dis-
covering nothing more, flew up on the cow's back, and commenced an investigation
there. Just at this moment something alarmed her, and both mother and son flew to
a distant tree. It was at the same time, and in the same pasture, that I observed a
number of these birds collected in a large bastard cedar that overhung a shallow pool,
to which one and another were continually descending, and bathing with great appa-
rent enjoyment ; after which each flew to a sunny part of the tree, and fluttered and
pecked and ruffled its plumage, that it might dry smoothly and equally.'' — p. 219.
******
" The taking of places [on the cocoa-nut palms at roosting time] was attended
with much squabbling : the alighting of each new comer on a frond causing it to
swing, so as greatly to discompose the sitters already in possession, and throw them
off their balance ; and hence each was received by his fellows with open beaks and
raised wings, to prevent his landing. Still, many thrust themselves in among others,
pecking right and left in self-defence. The highest horizontal fronds were most in
demand, and many of these had, at the close, as many as ten or twelve birds each, sit-
ting side by side in a sable row. When once the birds had left the cotton tree, and
selected their places on the palms, they did not return ; but places were shifted con-
tinually. During the whole time their singular voices were in full cry, and could be
heard at a great distance ; some idea may be formed of the effect of the whole by ima-
gining two or three hundred small table bells, of varying tones, to be rung at the
same time. By half an hour after sunset the arrivals had pretty well ceased, and
most of the birds were quietly settled for the night. I visited them on one or two
subsequent evenings, but found no material difference in their proceedings." — p. 223.
1816 Birds.
The Blue Quit (Euphonia Jamaica). — " February 5th, 1838. Near the piazza of
my house a cotton-bush has flung out its knots of white filaments. Hither come the
birds at this season, to gather materials for constructing their nests. The blue spar-
row, a pretty little frugivorous bird, that sings in our fruit-trees all the year round its
merry twittering song, has been busily engaged with his mate collecting bills-full of
cotton. It did not seem to be a thing immediately settled that they should set to
work and gather their materials at once. They had alighted on the tree as if they had
very unexpectedly found what they were seeking. The male began to twitter a song
°f j°y> dancing and jumping about, and the female, intermingling every now and then
a chirp, frisked from stem to stem, and did very little more than survey the riches of
the tree ; at least she plucked now and then a bill-full of the filaments, and spreading
it to flaunt to the wind tossed it away, as if she had been merely showing that it every
way answered the purpose in length and softness, and was in every respect the thing
they wanted. At each of these displays of the kind and quality of the materials, the
male intermingled his twittering song with a hoarse succession of notes, which were
always the same, chu, chu, chu, cAm, chwit, to which the female chirped two or three
times in succession, then grasping another bill-full of cotton, tossed it away as before,
and obtained from the male the same notes of attention and approval. At last they
set to work in earnest, gathered a load of the materials drawn out as loosely as they
could get it, and filling their bills, started away to the tree, wherever it was, in which
they had determined to build their nests."— p. 241.
******
" Immediately behind the homestead of Bluefields, a lane, confined for a mile or
two between dry-stone walls, leads to the road, which winds in a zig-zag line to the
top of the Bluefields ridge. This lane possesses many attractions. By the wall on
each side grow trees, which afford grateful shade, and many of them load the evening
air with dewy fragrance. Orange-trees profusely planted, give out, in spring, gushes
of odour from their waxen blossoms, and in autumn tempt the eye with their " golden
fruitage." The Pride of China, lovely in its graceful leaves and spikes of lilac blos-
soms, and not less sweet-scented than the orange, — the pimento, dense and glossy,
with another, but not inferior, character of beauty, — are varied by the less showy, but
still valuable, cedar and guazumo. The various species of Echites trail their slender
stems and open their brilliant flowers along the top of the wall, and the pretty Banis-
teria displays its singular yellow blossoms, or scarlet berries at its foot, while, near the
top of the lane, tangled and matted masses of the night-blowing Cereus depend fiom
the trees, or sprawl over the walls, expanding their magnificent, sun-like flowers, only
to (! the noon of night.' Here and there huge black nests of Termites look like barrels
built in the walls, whose loose stones, grey with exposure, and discoloured with many-
tinted lichens, afford a sombre relief to the numerous large-leafed Arams that climb
and cluster above them.. To the left the mountain towers, dark and frowning ; the
view on the right is bounded by a row of little rounded hills, studded with trees and
clumps of pimento. But between the traveller and either, extend the fields of guinea-
grass, which are enclosed by these boundary walls. In the autumn, when the grass
is grown tall, and the panicles of seed waving in the wiud give it a hoary surface, the
little grass-quits, both of this and the following species, throng hither in numerous
flocks, and perching in rows on the slender stalks, weigh them down, while they rifle
them of the farinaceous seeds." — p. 249.
The Yellow-bellied Parroquet (Conurus flaviventer).—" But the precaution of the
Birds 1817
poor bird in selecting a locality [in the trunk of a tree], and her perseverance in bur-
rowing into so solid a structure, are not sufficient to ensure her safety or that of her
young. The aperture by which she herself enters and departs affords also a ready en-
trance to a subtle and voracious enemy, the yellow boa. A young friend of mine once
observing a parroquet enter into a hole in a large duck-ant's nest, situated on a bastard
cedar, mounted to take her eggs or young. Arrived at the place, he cautiously in-
serted his hand, which presently came in contact .with something smooth and soft.
He guessed it might be the callow young ; but hesitating to trust it, he descended,
and proceeded to cut a stick, keeping his eye on the orifice, from which the old bird
had not yet flown. Having again mounted, he thrust in the stick, and forced off the
whole upper part of the structure, disclosing, to his utter discomfiture and terror, an
enormous yellow snake, about whose jaws the feathers of the swallowed parroquet were
still adhering, while more of her plumage scattered in the nest revealed her unhappy
fate. The serpeut instantly darted down the tree, and the astonished youth, certainly
not less terrified, also descended with precipitation, and ran, as if for life, from the
scene." — p. 264.
The Kildeer Plover {/Egialites vociferus). — " One which was shot, and wounded in
the wing, I introduced to the doves, in a large packing-case, the front of which was re-
moved and replaced by gauze. Immediately on being put in, it began vigorously
charging at the gauze, as if it had no idea of any impediment there, running back-
ward a little way, and then dashing at it ; and this Avithout an instant's intermission,
now and then leaping up, and uttering its wild cry. For a few minutes its impetuous
motions seemed to stupify all the doves, who gazed in astonishment ; but presently a
young bald-pate, who occupied one of the front corners, a very cross and surly fellow,
began to peck and beat the little plover, driving him about the cage without mercy.
I had been struck, at the first entry of the bird, with its remarkable height, owing to
the length of the tarsi, and the upright, bold attitude in which it stood. At length, to
escape the persecutions of the bald-pate, it suddenly squatted down in one of the back
corners, bringing the tarsi flat on the ground, and the tibiae on them, so that I was
now struck with its flatness and closeness on the ground ; and I saw how it is that we
so often hear their cry very near, when we can see no trace of them, and often sud-
denly lose sight of them when watching them running. I feel assured that this
squatting is the bird's natural resource for concealment; for on being alarmed sud-
denly, its first impulse is to bend partially the heel, bringing the body nearer
the ground ; if the danger appear to increase, it brings the tarsi flat, the tibia? still
being inclined ; the body seems now in contact with the ground ; but a greater terror
brings it still lower, so that it really appears as if half sunk in the earth ; and now no
advance of the danger affects it, if there be no opening to run ; it lies quite passive ;
its resource is exhausted.
" My captive lay thus unmoved for awhile, though the restless pea-doves, in run-
ning from side to side, walked over it, trampling it under foot at every turn. When
it did get up, however, and came to the front, it was again instantly assaulted by the
bald-pate, who struck it with his wing, and seized its beak with his own, and pinched
it. Pitying it under these inflictions, I took it out, and allowed it to run about the
room. Its actions now became quite entertaining ; it ran backward and forward with
surprising fleetness, but not being used to the smoothness of board, though the floor
was not at all polished, and wanting the support of the back toe, its speed was con-
tinually causing it to slip, the feet sliding forward, so as to bring the bird down upon
1818 Birds.
its tail. Now and then it would stop, and make repeated efforts to jump over tlie
skirting-hoard, which being black, and the wall white, I suppose it mistook the latter
for empty space. While doing this, it ever and anon emitted its loud pipe, with start-
ling shrillness. Having run into a corner, it allowed me to take it up in my hand
without fluttering. When it stood, it jerked its head up and clown. It was exceed-
ingly active; when not lying close for concealment it was not still a moment; besides
the flirting of the head and tail, a tremulous motion pervaded the body, so that it
seemed to be shivering. When about to take a single step, this was manifested in an
odd manner, the foot touching the ground three or four times before it was put down.
When it had become more at home, it devoured earth-worms greedily, and would pick
minute shells and Entomostraca from a saucer of water, in which was a root of water-
cress. In the cage, it delighted to stand in its water-saucer, hut when loose, the sau-
cer being placed in one corner, it would run rapidly in and out, now and then stopping
to pick up the contents." — p. 331.
" The Sultana (Porphyrio Martinica). — " I was struck with the remarkable ele-
gance of one that I saw by the road-side, about midway between Savanna-le-Mar and
Bluefields. It was at one of those pieces of dark water called blue-holes, reputed to
he unfathomable. The surface was covered with the leaves and tangled stems of va-
rious water-plants, and on these the sultana was walking, supported by its breadth of
foot, so that the leaves on which it trod sank only an inch or two, notwithstanding
that the hird, according to its usual manner, moved with great deliberation, fre-
quently standing still, and looking leisurely on either side. As it walked over to where
the water was less encumbered, it became more immersed, until it seemed to be swim-
ming, yet even then, from the motion of its legs, it was evidently walking, either on
the bottom, or on the yielding plants. At the margin of the pool it stood some time,
in a dark nook overhung by bushes, where its green and purple hues were finely thrown
out by the dark back ground. I could not help thinking what a beautiful addition it
would make to an ornamental water in an English park ; and the more so, because its
confiding tameness allows of approach sufficiently near to admire its brilliancy. Nor
are its motions void of elegance ; the constant jerking of its pied tail is perhaps rather
singular than admirable, but the bridling of its curved and lengthened neck, and the
lifting of its feet are certainly graceful." — p. 378.
The Rufous-necked Pelican (Pelecanus fuscus). — " It is a pleasant sight to see a
flock of pelicans fishing. A dozen or more are flying, on heavy, flagging wing, over
the sea, the long neck doubled on the back, so that the beak seems to protrude from
the breast. Suddenly, a little ruffling of the water arrests their attention ; and, with
wings half-closed, down each plunges with a resounding plash, and in an instant
emerges to the surface with a fish. The beak is held aloft, a snap or two is made, the
huge pouch is seen for a moment distended, then collapses as before ; and heavily the
bird rises to wing, and again beats over the surface with its fellows. It is worthy of
observation that the pelican invariably performs a somerset uuder the surface ; for
descending, as he always does, diagonally, not perpendicularly, the head emerges
looking in the opposite direction to that in which it was looking before. When the
morning appetite is sated, they sit calmly on the heaving surface, looking much like a
miniature fleet.
" In the evening, as I have stated, we see them pursuing their laborious course to
repose. Standing at the door of Bluefields, which, from a slight elevation, commands
a wide prospect of the beautiful bay, I have often watched in the evening, while the
Birds. 1819
sun, sinking among his gilded piles and peaks of cloud on the horizon-sea, leaves the
air refreshingly cool and balmy, while the dying sea-breeze scarcely avails to break
the glassy reflection of the surface, — the straggling flocks of pelicans, from a dozen to
forty or fifty, passing slowly along over the shore. On such occasions, they manifest
a decided tendency to form long continuous strings, like ducks. When the flocks are
beating for fish, or sailing round and round on the watch, there is no such arrange-
ment, but all circle in a confusion equal to that of the planets of the Ptolemaic sys-
tem. Yet at any time of the day, in taking a lengthened flight, whether shifting
their locality, or slowly sweeping over the sea, they usually take a lineal order.
" In flying thus in lines, I have been struck with the unity which they manifest in
their motions : the flight is performed by alternate intervals of heavy flappings, and
sailing on outstretched motionless wing ; and the resumption or suspension of the one
or the other state is regulated by the leading bird of the line. For example, the first
begins to flap ; in an instant the second begins, then the third, then the fourth, and
so on, with perfect regularity of succession ; and neither ceases till the first does, and
then only each in his own turn. That this does not depend on the period of each mo-
tion being constant, is shown by the fact, that the duration of either state is
very varying and arbitrary. If a bird be following the same course, near at hand, but
not within the line, he does not regard the succession at all, but governs his own
motion.
" The pelican, on alighting on the water to swim, brings his feet, which before had
been stretched out behind, into a standing position, and, as it were, slides along the sur-
face for several yards before he swims.'' — p. 410.
The Booby (Sula parva). — " The sympathy shown by gregarious birds for their
wounded companions is usually never more strongly manifested than in the boobies.
In the wanton sport of shooting at them, when sailing past the kays and islets they re-
sort to, there are few who have not witnessed the extraordinary efforts made by the cla-
morous flock to assist a wounded bird, when fluttering in the water, and unable to re-
gain the wing. An accident which happened to one of the two boobies we have in our
yard, gave us an opportunity of seeing traits of this feeling and of its attendant emo-
tions. My little nephew, in chasing with a small whip one of our birds, entangled
the lash about its wing, and snapped the arm-bone. The one bird not alone showed
sympathy for the other, but exhibited curiosity about the nature and character of the
accident. Our two birds are male and female. The wounded booby withdrew into a
lonely part of the yard, and stood there drooping. The female sought him as soon as
she heard his cry of agony, and after ascertaining, by surveying him all round, that the
injury was in the wing, proceeded to prevail on him to move the limb, that she might
see whether he was really disabled beyond the power of using it for flight. After a
quacking honk or two, as a call to do something required of him, the female stretched
out one of her wings ; — the wounded male imitated her, and, making an effort, moved
out, in some sort of way, the wounded member to its full length. He was now
required by a corresponding movement to raise it : — he raised the broken arm, but
the wing could not be elevated. The curiosity of the female was at a stand-still.
After a moment's pause, her wounded companion was persuaded to make another trial
at imitation, and to give the wings some three or four good flaps. He followed the
given signal, gave the required beats on the air with so thorough a good will, to meet
the wishes of his curious mate, that he twirled the broken wing quite round, and
turned it inside out. The mischief was prodigiously increased. It was now necessary
1820 Birds.
to put a stop to this process of investigation of the one hird into the misfortune of the
other. I came in just as these exhibitions had occurred, and taking up the bird with
its twisted wing, I was obliged, after setting the limb, to restrain him from any fur-
ther gratification of his mate's curiosity, by tying the wing into place, and keeping it
so tied till the bone united. The one now attended the other, and carefully examined
day after day the broken limb. Calling on him to make an occasional effort to raise
the disabled and immoveable member, she used her ineffectual endeavours to persuade
him to lift it, though tied, by lifting her own from time to time.
" Though this fellow-feeling was so strongly and so remarkably manifested with
regard to the broken wing, — when feeding together, the abler female did not hesitate
to take advantage of her greater agility, by snatching away from her mate his share of
victuals, and grappling with him for one and the same piece of meat. Instinct seems
to exhibit simple, not complex emotions. If the male bird had been utterly unable
to feed himself, the female would possibly herself have supplied him with food : — but
able to eat, the undivided passion was the feeding appetite ; and the instinctive habit
of striking at the prey, and grabbing it, was not capable of restraint, or of any modifi-
cation whatever." — p. 418.
Notice of Ornithological and other Occurrences, in Norfolk, for the Month of
June, 1847.
An example of the whiskered tern, a bird not previously recorded to have been ob-
tained in Norfolk, was shot on the 17th instant, whilst flying high over Hickling
Broad. It proved to be an adult female, and contained ova in an advanced stage ;
the largest being apparently almost ready to receive the shell. In the stomach were
found the remains of about twenty of the larvae of the broad-bodied dragon-fly.
The very unusually late occurrence of the common pochard, a male specimen of
which was.obtained during the first week of this month, has been kindly communicated
to us by Mr. Bird, ofVerulam Buildings, Gray's Inn, in whose possession the bird
remains.
The following instances of the carnivorous propensities of the jackdaw have lately
come under our observation. One of these birds was shot by a gamekeeper from the
nest of a missel thrush, whilst in the act of devouring one of the young birds : another
was observed in pursuit of a young pheasant ; the latter soon squatted, when the
jackdaw hopped upon, and immediately began to peck it, but was shot before he had
done any further mischief.
A pair of kestrels have chosen in the hollow of the trunk of an old pollard oak, an
unusual locality for their nests. It contained six young kestrels, and there were also
found in it the remains of moles, mice, small birds, and a young partridge.
A Muscovy drake was a few days ago detected in the act of stealing and swallow-
ing the fish which had been placed in a tub for a tame heron ; and was found to have
previously indulged in this rather curious habit.
We are indebted to a correspondent in the vicinity of Cromer for the following
anecdotes. A squirrel, having been observed to be eating something of a whitish co-
lour, the remains of his repast were examined, when it appeared that he had scooped
out and devoured the inner part of a mushroom-shaped fungus ; a production which
we did not before know to have been made use of by this animal for food.
Reptiles. 1821
A gentleman, who about a fortnight ago was descending the Lighthouse Hill,
near Cromer, between eight and nine o'clock in the evening, heard before him a sound
which he describes as resembling the whirring of the nightjar. The noise increased
as he advanced, and appeared to come from a wall which adjoins a neighbouring pond;
and upon looking over the former " I perceived," to use the words of our informant,
" three toads, sitting upon a stone with their mouths wide open, lifting up their voices
in very tolerable melody. I watched them for about a minute, then they caught sight
of me, turned bashful, and stopped their chaunt." — J. H. Gurney, William R. Fisher ;
June 30th, 1847.
Is the Edible Frog a true Native of Britain P — As the * Zoologist ' has been the
means through which the discovery of the edible frog in England was announced to
the world, it ought also to be the means of reminding the less cautious class of natu-
ralists, that this finding the edible frog in one very confined locality is by no means to
be considered proof of its being a native.
True, Foulmire is a very peculiar spot ; situated some miles to the south of Cam-
bridge on the very limit of the county, and surrounded by rising ground, the Cam, a
branch of which takes its rise here, is its only connexion with the real " Fens." The
nature of Foulmire differs from that of all other fens I have seen, in having the con-
tinuity of the vegetable substance or turf of which it is composed interrupted by fre-
quent wells or pits of pure water, the bottom of which is kept clean by the rising of
springs in the sand beneath, though in others of these pits, and those generally the
largest, the rise of water is not sufficiently rapid to prevent black mud accumulating
at the bottom, which in some serves as a pabulum for large water plants. Till lately,
on one side the rising ground was a sandy heath, which, if I have been rightly in-
formed, was inhabited by the natterjack, and I have seen this reptile in the sands of
Gamlinqay, which is no very great distance off. The common frog and the common
toad are abundant in the fen, so also the warty newt, and perhaps, though I have no
special remembrance of it, the common newt also.
It is then a peculiar, and in some degree, an isolated fen, but it is certain, if the
edible frogs are aboriginal here, that in the course of ages the river must have carried
some into the true fens, through the very centre of which it flows for several score
miles ; and can we suppose that they would not increase and flourish there, as well as
in the neighbourhood of Kingsbury, where Mr. Bond informs me he has several very
thriving colonies? This last fact shows that they can live and increase in England
elsewhere than at Foulmire ; and the rapidity with which they have spread
themselves near Kingsbury does not point to any very distant period of time for their
introduction to Foulmire. That they do not exist, at least in any plenty, in the true
fens, is, I think, rendered highly probable by their never having attracted the atten-
tion of any naturalist there ; certainly in my own rambles in the fens I have not seen
anything like them. I say never, but I ought to qualify the expression by mention-
ing that Mr. Bond tells me he has lately heard of them there, of which I hope we shall
learn further particulars. But that it is not very easy to find, even where most abun-
dant, is shown by the fact, that though I have twice been to Foulmire, in March or
April, for the express purpose of finding it, I did not meet with a single specimen ; it
was I suppose rather too early in the year ; the common frog had spawned, and indeed,
v 2l
1822 Fishes.
there were some young tadpoles, toads were croaking about, and were to be seen in
plenty in their usual galvanic postures at the bottom of the little river; if my memory
does not foil me, I also found some of their necklace-like spawn. I fished up, perhaps,
nearly a dozen frogs in a landing-net, of various ages, and also some warty newts, in
the pools, but alas! nothing at all eatable ! And on both occasions I trudged back to
Trinity in utter disappointment, and undined. My good old friend Tom Rawlinson
was with me the second time, with cans, nets, &c, and he rather relieved the mono-
tony of the journey home, by showing me the bank of an orchard on which the great
white snail abounded, which, as he informed me, with eyes wide open, he had seen
either gipsies or Italians, I forget which, eat. Tom is knowing in such matters, he is
" Tom the pieman '' of all the " feasts " many miles round Cambridge: — an old soldier,
a reformed drunkard, a teetotaller, an affectionate father, a simple-hearted fellow, a
collector of insects, eggs, fossils, and everything else, and a protege of " Perfesser
Sedgwick." His personal appearance I should spoil by description, — I liked Old
Tom ! But to return to the snails, the Helix Pomatia of some nomenclature, they
are, if I mistake not, believed by conchologists to have been originally introduced
from the continent, perhaps by Roman monks ; may not the frogs have been intro-
duced to eat with them by the same Italians ? Or may not gipsies or organ boys have
brought them over more recently ? Or in very modern times may not some have ac-
cidentally escaped from confinement, or been intentionally turned out by naturalists ?
Do I not remember an account of a large number of them being in the possession of
Mr. Gray, of the British Museum, and may not some of these have strayed into Cam-
bridgeshire ? I am only imagining possibilities, but possibilities which seem to my-
self more probable than that the edible frog should be a native of Britain, and yet
confined to Foulmire. It is a matter of some interest in the consideration of the geo-
graphical distribution of reptiles.
It is much to be regretted that Foulmire, as I hear from Mr. Bond, is drained !
But he tells me he expects the frogs will disperse, and not become extinct. As he
informs us that the frogs of Foulmire are well known, and have a name given them
in the neighbourhood, it would be very interesting if he, or some one at Cambridge,
would make inquiries as to whether there is any tradition of their first appearance at
Foulmire. — /. Wolley ; May 3rd, 1847.
Notes on the Fishes in the District of the Land's End.
By R. Q. Couch, M.R.C.S.L., &c.
Continued from page 1714.
Common Cod, Morrhua vulgaris. Common on all parts of the
coast, especially on sandy banks, and the rough ground in sheltered
bays. This fish is very voracious, and not at all particular in the
quality or character of its food. It constantly feeds on Crustacea,
and is perhaps fonder of it than of any other, but any dead animal
matter is greedily devoured. They feed near or on the ground, and
Fishes. 1823
prowl about, rather than actively pursue any prey. From the great
extent to which the net-fisheries are carried in the west of Cornwall,
the hook and line occupation is all but destroyed ; but it would well
repay any fisherman to re-establish it. The sandbanks off St. Ives,
Cape Cornwall, and all the deep sea round to Mount's Bay, possess
vast swarms of cod, and when railway communications are established
with the larger markets these localities will no doubt be well fished.
It spawns about March and April, and the size to which the roe at-
tains is sometimes very great ; in one case, where the fish weighed
twenty-one pounds, the roe was twelve. The cod varies much in co-
lour; those caught on a sandy soil are light, while those from a rocky
or weedy ground are darker, and frequently of a coppery-brown co-
lour. It does not appear to depend so much on the character of the
food as is commonly said to be the case, as on the colour of
the ground. I have seen a young or Tamlin cod, and a bass of a
very dark hue, turn pale and continue so, after being placed in a pool
composed chiefly of quartz rock. The young or Tamlin cod ap-
proaches the shore in the summer and autumn, and may frequently be
caught by angling from the rocks.
Haddock, M. ceglefinus. Common ; spawns about March. Like
the cod, it is a ground feeder, but has not so ravenous an appetite.
It appears to feel the effect of hunger more than any of its kindred
species, and rarely, if ever, appears in a very sleek state. Though
liked as an article of diet by many, yet the flesh has generally a very
dry and hard texture.
Bib, M. lusca, Pout. Common, on all parts of the shores. Dur-
ing the winter it lives in deep water, but during the summer and
spring approaches the shores. It prefers rough ground, or such lo-
calities, where shelving rocks rise out of a sandy soil. It feeds on
minute Crustacea and small fish. In the autumn, the young are fre-
quently caught by boys angling from the rocks. It is a very soft fish,
and rapidly decomposes, or more correctly speaking, becomes pulpy
and unfit for use. It breeds early in the summer. This fish is fre-
quently marked with broad, longitudinal bands, alternately light and
dark ; these are sometimes very well marked, at others they are only
faintly discernible, but in death they generally disappear. This band-
ing is similar to what is observed in the pilot fish.
Power, M. minuta, Bibben pout. This species resembles the last
in every particular, except that it is not so deep. Its habits are the
same.
Whiting, Merlangus vulgaris. Common.
1824 Fishes.
Poutassou Whiting, M. poutassou. Very rare. I never saw but
one specimen, and that was taken by a fisherman of Polperro. It is
described and figured in the second edition of c British Fishes,' but
the figure is too dark. „
Rauuing Pollack, M. carbonarius, Rauner. Common during the
winter and spring, when they appear to be gregarious ; they are not
so, however, in reality. It is a habit of this fish to reside in strong
currents, from which they shelter themselves by keeping behind large
rocks. In such a situation, they sometimes congregate in large com-
panies, with their heads turned in the direction of the stream. Any
food, whether living or dead, that is carried past them, is seized as
soon as seen ; and thus they are perpetually darting from and return-
ing to their hiding place. When not frequenting such haunts they
wander alone. If a fisherman takes one, there is a prospect of taking
many more, and I have known eighteen hundred weight taken by one
boat at one time. During the quiet wreather of autumn, they
approach the shore, and swim very leisurely from spot to spot, but
they invariably pounce upon their prey in the most violent manner,
and devour it with greediness. They spawn in spring.
Hake, Merlucius vulgaris. Always common, and during the au-
tumn abundant. It is very ravenous and is a great vagrant. In the
winter it is taken with a hook and line, or with the trawl in deep wa-
ter ; as summer approaches it comes into shallower bays. It is very
uncertain in its movements, for during one night not a single speci-
men will be taken, while during the next the supply seems almost un-
limited. It is not a gregarious fish, but during the season when the
pilchards approach the shore, the hakes accompany them in vast mul-
titudes. They so constantly attend on the shoals of pilchards, that
the migrations of one may be described as the wanderings of the
other. But the movements of the pilchard are the results of natural
habits and instinct, apparently independent of external circumstances;
but all the wanderings of the hake seem to be the result of insatiable
appetite. If the fishermen are successful in the taking of the hake,
they know the pilchard is not far off, though it may be swimming
near the ground. I have known a man with a pair of lines, each with
two hooks, take eighteen dozen in one night, besides attending to the
drift-nets for the pilchard. There is scarcely an enclosure of pil-
chards, except the great ones at St. Ives in the winter, without great
quantities of hake being also taken. In such situations they
frequently gorge themselves to such an extent as to be quite helpless ;
I have seen, on many occasions, from eight to twelve pilchards
Fishes. 1825
taken from the stomach of a single fish, and sometimes so many as
seventeen closely packed together. But it very rarely occurs that a
hake taken with a line has this gorged character ; this arises from a
peculiar habit it has of ejecting the contents of the stomach in at-
tempting to escape. It breeds very early in the year, from January
to March, and the young very rarely take a bait, though they feed on
the living pilchard. The outline of the hake varies very much.
The head in some species seems elongated, and the dorsal and abdo-
minal fins are waved and lobulated ; but the figure in Mr. Yarrell's
first edition of his 'Fishes' is very characteristic of the general
appearance*
Ling, Lota molva. Common. Scilly has long been celebrated for
its dry ling, and it may perhaps derive its name from Zilli, being the
Cornish name of this fish, though it is sometimes made to include the
cod also. It is a ground fish, and swims stealthily about the rocky
declivities of the sea. It prefers for its habitation deep marine val-
leys, with overhanging ledges, and deep and circumscribed caverns,
in which the fishermen think it breeds. When these caverns or val-
leys become densely inhabited by them, they migrate in large shoals
to other situations ; such is the opinion of those engaged in the fish-
ery, but whether the reason given be correct or not, every three
or four years they are caught more abundantly than common, and in
unusual situations. They feed on living food generally, and are es-
pecially fond of Crustacea.
Whistler, Three-bearded Hockling, Motella vulgaris. Common in
shallow water, in rocky gullies, living among the ledges of the
rocks near the ground. It is called whistler only in the west of
Cornwall.
Brown Whistler, Five-bearded Hockling, M. quinquecerrata.
Occasionally found about low-water mark in Mount's Bay.
Midgen, Mackerel Midge, M. glauca. This beautiful little fish is
very uncertain in its appearance ; for some seasons a few only can be
seen, and again in others they appear in countless multitudes. In
March and April they may be seen in the deep sea, in scattered
flocks, floating or swimming at the surface, and scattered through the
foam of the waves. Towards May and June they associate in larger
companies and approach the shores. Like the pilchard, it migrates
from deep water in large schulls, while during winter they live singly
in deep water. When they approach the shores the numbers seem
astonishingly large ; and if it should be boisterous weather, all the in-
lets of the coasts and all the pools seem filled with the dying and
1826 Fishes.
the dead. While at the surface, they eagerly seek the shelter of any
floating object, and hence are destroyed by the buoys of nets, or in
the taking of sea-weed.
In its characters it undoubtedly belongs to Motella, and especially
in the delicate membranous and vibratory character of the first dor-
sal fin and the ciliated appendages to the jaws ; but in its habits it
seems to be totally different. Unlike the other species of this genus,
it is a high swimmer, never protecting itself beneath stones near the
shore ; and it appears to be not a ground feeder, in the same sense as
its congeners ; and, unlike them, is instantly destroyed on being
taken from the water, so that with the configuration of a Motella it
has the habits of a Clupea.
Hake's Dame, Phycisfurcatus. Common during the autumnal and
winter months. I have seen five specimens at one time exposed for
sale in the fish-market of Penzance, and during the last autumn
scarcely a week passed in which several were not trawled up. It pre-
fers a sandy and muddy bottom.
Lesser Forkbeard, Tommy Noddy, Raniceps trifurcatus. I have
obtained several specimens of this fish in Mount's Bay, from the
trawlers. In some specimens there are tubercles, posterior to the pec-
toral fins, which in others are not observable till the animal has been
out of water for some hours. All possess them, but they are not
equally visible in each. It spawns in July.
Flat-Fishes.
Plaice, Platessa vulgaris. Common. Though these notes are in-
tended only to refer to the habits and migrations of fish on the west-
ern shores of Cornwall, yet they do not entirely preclude an occa-
sional reference to other particulars. All the flat-fish, whether Pleu-
ronectidae or Raiidse, have a very remarkable development of the iris.
In the race about to be described, the superior and middle portion of
the iris forms a rounded prolongation, which hangs as a curtain over
the pupillary aperture. In some specimens it is more apparent than
in others, depending on the localities and depth of water in which
they have been taken. The iris in the Pleuronectidae, as well as
sharks and rays, has a distinct action. In the turbot, as well as in
the sharks, &c, I have on many occasions watched the movements,
and measured the pupillary aperture. In the rays, the curtain is very
peculiar, being developed into a serrated festoon. This serration is
so great, that the blind may be said to resemble a glove with spread
Fishes. 1827
fingers ; this also varies in size, and has motion. In the sharks, the
pupillary aperture is irregular, being sometimes round, at others per-
pendicularly oval, and in some transversely so. But the length of the
pupil is generally, if not always, in the direction of the tapetum.
Flounder Lantern, P. Jlessus. Common in sandy and muddy
spots. It ascends rivers into fresh water, where the tide never
reaches.
Dab, Fleuke, P. limanda. Common.
Mary, Sole, P. microcephalus. Not uncommonly caught by the
trawl : it is but little esteemed as food. It occurs in Mount's Bay,
Whitsand Bay, Land's End, and St. Ives' Bay. Spawns in June.
Holibut, Hippoglossus vulgaris. Not uncommon off the Land's
End. It is the largest of all the " flat-fishes," but I have never seen
it on the Cornish shores of the size it attains in the North of
England. Mr. Yarrell describes it as attaining " near five hundred
pounds," while the largest specimen I ever saw was one hundred and
twenty-two pounds, and this was considered by the fishermen as a
large specimen. It feeds on Crustacea, and prefers stony ground to
all others. It breeds about April.
Turbot, Rhombus maximus. Common, in particular localities. I
have known eighteen taken at one time on a "boulter" or long line.
They frequent sandy bays, and frequently change their habitats. It
is daily taken on some parts of the shores between St. Ives and
Mount's Bay ; but there is no regular fishery for it.
Brill, Kit, R. vulgaris. Common.
Muller's Topknot, Rough Brill, Browny, R. hirtus. Not uncom-
mon. The habits of this fish differ very remarkably from any of its
kindred species. They frequent sandy bays and inlets; this, the
rough ground bordering such localities. It prefers low, shelving
rocks, with ledges, covered with sea-weed, and hence is frequently
taken in the trammels or nets set for the sur-mullet. It breeds in the
summer and autumn, and in winter the young are of about one or two
inches in length, and may occasionally be found under stones at low
ter mark. The brill and the topknot appear to be liable to frequent
malformations about the dorsal fin. Frequently the anterior portion
is developed into an arch, which rises over the eyes ; the posterior
portion is liable to the same prolongation, and the first three or four
dorsal rays are frequently prolonged into membranous tendrils.
Carter, Lantern, R. megastoma. Very common, being abundant
in all our sandy bays ; it is but little valued as an article of diet. If
1828 Fishes.
caught in roughish ground it is occasionally mottled on the dorsal
surface.
Megrim, jR. Arnoglossus. This fish is frequently taken in our
trawls, and always presents the appearance of having been dipped in
scalding water, and hence it has been called " scaldfish." I have
seen several measuring seven inches in length, but its most common
size is about five. The skin is very thin, and is readily rubbed off,
but the scalded appearance is natural to it.
Sole, Solea vulgaris. Everywhere common.
Variegated Sole, Monochirus linguatulus. Several examples of
this sole have been taken at Lamorna, in Mount's Bay, and at
St. Ives.
Cornish Sucker, Lepidogaster Cornubiensis. Very common in
pools under stones, between tide-marks. It is a pretty species, and
firmly attaches itself to stones by its pectoral sucker. It is very
tenacious of life. It is very inactive, and when very much disturbed,
its chief activity consists of a mere wriggle to get rid of, or to remove
from the source of its annoyance. It is diffused throughout the Cor-
nish shores. It spawns about April.
Bimaculated Sucker, Cornish Sucker, L. bimaculatus! In general
configuration, this species very much resembles the last, but is easily
distinguished from it, by the absence of the large ocellated spots be-
hind the eyes, and the smaller size of the dorsal fin. This is said not
to be so common as the last, but this arises from its living in deeper
water, and not from any scarcity of specimens. It is always found
nearer low-water mark spring-tides than at any other spot.
Lump Sucker, Lumper, Cyclopterus lumpus. This remarkable
looking fish is not uncommon in particular localities. Its body
being very deep for its length, as well as very thick, and the very
fleshy, or fat appearance, being continued even to the edges of the
fins, together with its small mouth surrounded by its full cheeks,
gives this species the grotesque appearance of an over-fed, self-satis-
fied glutton. It is very inactive, adhering firmly to the stones or
rocks ; it rarely moves; except for the purpose of feeding. It varies in
colour, from a deep neutral tint to a yellowish carmine, depending on
age and the character of its feeding ground.
Montagu's Sucker, C. Montagui. Common, but not abundant.
Unlike the others of the genus, it is rather active, and rarely makes
use of its suckers, unless in a stream, or anything that seems likely to
push it aside.
Fishes. 1829
Eel, Sharp-nosed Eel, Angullla acutirostris. Common, in streams,
and at the conflux of the fresh and salt water. It prefers a muddy,
or a sandy soil. The young ascend the rivers in countless multitudes
in March and April, and remain there during the summer. At first
they are translucent, and allow all the abdominal and thoracic vis-
cera distinctly to be seen. The skin becomes gradually opaque, and
finally black. They frequently, both old and young, bury themselves
in the mud, and in cold weather will remain there for days without
coming to the surface. From the obstruction to respiration such a
retreat must produce, and the great tenacity of life possessed by these
creatures, the views of Dr. M. Hall, that the quantity of respiration
is in the inverse ratio of the irritability, seem fully confirmed. All
the eel tribe are very susceptible of atmospheric changes ; cold
drives them to their shelters, and thunder-storms make them exceed-
ingly restless. But while they avoid the cold, they are able to bear
it to a very low degree. The young of the spring rapidly increase in
size, and acquire a greenish-brown colour by May and June. When
they have attained a size, varying from four to seven or eight inches
in length, they are called " whuffers " or " whiffers," I suppose from
their being used for the capture of pollack and mackerel in the fish-
ery called " whiffing," and for which the lamprey is also used. In
the autumn, and sometimes in the summer, they again descend the
rivers into brackish water ; whether because the change is agreeable
to themselves, or because the function of spawning demands it, is not
quite a settled point ; but that they do descend at that period, there
is no doubt, and that they will even overcome formidable obstacles in
their course to effect it, is equally certain. The spring migration,
from being in such multitudes, is the one most observed. The young
force their way wherever there is fresh water pouring into the sea. I
have known them ascend a small stream for a short distance, when
they have been obstructed by a waterfall of about twenty feet high ;
and yet on examining the wet moss on the rocks over which the wa-
ter fell, the eels may be found tortuously winding their way to the
stream above. If a stream, from the dryness of the summer j be re-
duced in size, the eels will quit it and travel through the wet grass in
search of another. I have kept eels in confinement, in large basins,
but they have generally effected their escape by night, which is their
favourite time for moving. Their mode of escaping is remarkable ;
they commence by throwing their tail over the edge of the vessel, and
that organ being a prehensile one, they then lift themselves over, and
so escape by their usual tortuous motion. The tail is a very power-
v 2m
1830 Fishes.
ful organ with all the eels, and, in fact, with all the fish that burrow
in the sand or mud. The large eels rarely ascend the streams beyond
the reach of sea-water ; their most favourite haunts are about the
crevices of quays, amidst large stones, and in the mud. The eels are
oviparous. I have never been successful in obtaining an eel just
ready to shed its spawn ; but if the fat substance on each side be ex-
amined under a microscope, the small granular ova may be observed
in some cases. Last summer I took a quantity of mud from a
spot much frequented by eels, and carefully examined it to see if
there were any in it, and, after testing several specimens without suc-
cess ; I was at last gratified by observing the eels, small and trans-
parent, lying on the surface almost motionless. They rapidly grew,
and in ten days acquired strength and size to swim about. And af-
ter examining a great many congers, I have had the good fortune to
see three specimens, in which the roe were as fully developed as ever
I saw them in a cod, and just ready for shedding, and yet the young
were not visible. The development of the ova appears to be at first
very slow, and much influenced by changes of temperature, and
hence they are enveloped in large quantities of fat. Finally, however,
the growth seems to be very rapid and the shedding quick; or how could
it happen that so few perfect roe are seen even by the fishermen ?
Broad-nosed Eel, A. latirostris. Occasionally found at Hayle.
Snig Eel, A. mediorostris. Not uncommon.
Conger, Conger vulgaris. Everywhere abundant ; but they prefer
deep water with a rough and rocky bottom, and sandy patches sur-
rounded by high and overhanging rocks covered with sea-weed.
They feed chiefly by night, and prefer the darkest. They feed on
the large Crustacea, pilchard, cuttle, &c, but the cuttle is the favou-
rite bait of the fishermen. They retire to crevices and hollows in
the rocks, and burrow in the sand ; and in these hiding-places they
are sometimes left by the receding tide. When hid among rocks, it is
sometimes difficult to move them, from the immense power they
possess of grasping with their caudal extremity, in which is a small
pulsating cavity, which is no doubt the cause of the power. The
quantities taken are immense ; a single boat will sometimes land six-
teen hundred weight at a time, and though not held in much estima-
tion as an article of diet, yet they always command a good sale at
low prices. They are purchased chiefly by the poor, and by the neigh-
bouring farmers. They are not so abundant now as formerly, from the
trawlers destroying the breeding-grounds. They sometimes attain a
very large size : the largest I ever saw weighed 92rbs., but I have seen
British Association. 1831
several varying from 84 to 72fbs., and those from 30 to 60tbs. are
common. Breeds in the depth of winter, and hence the use of
the fat surrounding the ova. I have seen cases, though they are rare,
in which the ova have been as large as small peas. This rarity must
arise from the rapidity with which they are at last developed and
shed, after arriving at a certain age. Those fish living on dark,
rocky ground, are nearly black in colour, while those living on sandy
ground are of a pale brown.
Mursena, Murcena Helena. This is not a Mount's Bay fish, but I
have seen a specimen taken at Polperro, and this is figured and de-
scribed by Mr. Yarrell in the * British Fishes.'
Morris, Leptocephalus, Morrisii. So frequently taken, that it can-
not be uncommon in deep water.
R. Q. Couch.
Penzance.
Seventeenth Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science .*
The President, in opening the meeting, drew attention to the number of distin-
guished foreign naturalists present ; and also to the Museum in which they were as-
sembled, being one of the oldest in Great Britain, and containing specimens of great
interest in connection with the writings of our early naturalists.
Mr. J. E. Gray gave an account of two new species of Cetacea. The author
stated that our present knowledge of the Cetacea was imperfect ; as few points of ge-
neric or specific value had been noted in the descriptions and drawings of the various
whales that had been found in different parts. He believed that a greater number of
species would be found to exist were this point inquired into. Even with regard to
the whale that furnished whalebone, those artizans who worked in it knew that the
whalebone from Greenland was a much better article than that from the Cape or from
the South Seas ; and yet no distinction existed among naturalists, as to the species
which produced this whalebone. He believed, from a comparison of the structure of
the vertebrae of the whale now in the Ashmolean Museum with one in the British Mu-
seum, that a specific difference existed, although they were thought to belong to the
same species. He concluded by describing as two distinct species, two whales which
had been originally separated by Sibbald, but afterwards united by Cuvier, under the
names of Balaenophoca Sibbaldii, and B. antiquorum.
In answer to a question from Dr. Duncan, Mr. Gray stated that he could identify
four species of British Cetacea, besides those described — Balaena mystacetus, Physeter
Boops, P. musculus, and Megapteryx longimana. — The Prince of Canino objected
to the use made by Mr. Gray of old names applied to new species as likely to mislead.
It would be better to leave the old names unused than to apply them to new species.
— Mr. Gray stated that many species of whales might be known by the parasites
which inhabited their bodies. He believed it impossible for the whales of the South
Seas to cross to the North Seas. — The Rev. Dr. Scoresby stated that the distribution
* Extracted from the Athenaeum of July 3rd and 10th, 1847.
1832 British Association.
of whales was determined by their food. Whales travelled slowly — at quickest cer-
tainly not more than six or eight miles an hour. The young differed in appearance
from the old ones, which might account for the want of an accurate knowledge of
their external character.
Dr. Melville read a paper 'On the whale Ziphius Sowerbii. For a long time it
was supposed that the only specimen of this animal existed in the Ashmolean
Museum. From an examination of this- specimen, the author regarded it as an ex-
ample of the male of the Delphinus micropterus, and not as belonging to the extinct
genus Ziphius.
Mr. Gray thought the reasons of Dr. Melville not sufficient to place this animal
in the genus Delphinus, and on that account would still prefer leaving it in the genus
Ziphius. — Prof. Owen concurred in the view taken by Dr. Melville, and believed
it to be most philosophical to regard this animal as the male of the Delphinus
micropterus.
Mr. W. Thompson, * On Additions to the Fauna of Ireland.' — The additional spe-
cies brought forward were about fifty in number, chiefly invertebrate animals.
The Prince of Canino observed on the great interest of the Natural History of
Ireland on account of its contiguity to the Continent.
Mr. Busk read a paper, ' On the Application of the Gutta Percha to Modelling.'
After alluding to his experiments, he described the mode he followed in obtaining his
moulds: — " It is to be rolled out on a smooth surface in sheets of any convenient size
suitable to the object to be taken, and varying in thickness according to the size. For
small objects, from the ^ to T'g of an inch is thick enough. The sheet is dipped for a
moment or two into boiling water, and placed warm upon the object, upon the surface
of which it is to be carefully pressed with the finger point, or a convenient elastic pad,
so as to insure its close and uniform adaptation. In moulding soft objects it is, of course,
necessary that they should possess elasticity or resiliency, as in the case with living or
recently dead animal bodies. The gutta percha does not seem to be applicable to tak-
ing moulds from very fragile bodies, — such as many fossils, whicli would not bear the
requisite pressure nor admit of the removal of the mould when rigid without risk.
The most delicate objects, however, and slender projections, if firm enough in the ori-
ginal, may in the plaister-cast be removed from the matrix without any difficulty
when the latter is softened by momentary immersion in hot water.
Mr. Jerdan stated that there were two kinds of gutta percha — one white, the other
black. The former was the best for modelliug. He had written to Mr. Brooke, of
Borneo, on the subject, who informed him that an unlimited supply might be obtained
from that country. — Mr. Crawfurd said it was not hard till after it was submitted to
the heat of boiling water. The proper way of pronouncing the word was gutta pertsha,
which was a Malay term, and signified ragged gum.
The Prince of Canino read a paper ' On four new Species of Bat.' One, a new
genus, he dedicated to the President of the Association, under the name of Inglisius
rhedicinus. The genus is closely allied to Anoura. The remaining new species were
Anoura Bourcieri, Molossus Delatrei, and Arctibeus Floresi.
The Prince of Canino made some general remarks on the classification of Mam-
malia ; more especially in reference to Prof. Owen's views of the connexion between
the Pachydermata and Ruminantia. He was sure he only expressed the feelings of a
great many continental naturalists when he said that he was sorry Prof. Owen had
come to this conclusion ; although, if truth compelled him to give up the old order
British Association. 1833
Ruminantia he would do so. So strong were the characters which connected together
this order, that Illiger thought it might even be reduced to a genus.
Prof. Van der Hoven stated that the peculiar character of the stomach, the ge-
neral form of the skeleton, the form of the condyles of the jaw, and the nature of* the
teeth seemed to connect the Ruminantia so strongly together as to render their fusion
with any other order almost impossible.
Prof. Owen remarked that if we confined our attention to existing forms of
animals, we might arrive at the conclusion of Prof. Van der Hoven ; but it was when
we studied extinct forms that we saw our ground giving way. He then pointed out
the fact, that in the Camelida3 and Mosehidae there was a departure from the normal
type of the stomach in Ruminantia, approaching, in fact, the character of that of the
Pecora. Although the number and character of the teeth in the adult forms of Ru-
minantia differed from those of the Pachydermata, yet when we examined the young
of many of the Ruminantia we found there a departure from the adult type, and an
approach to that of Pachydermata. Again, Cuvier had placed the fossil genus An-
oplotherium amongst Pachydermata on account of its divided or double cannon bone ;
bul even this character had been observed by Dr. Falconer in the Ruminantia in a
species of Moschus.
Dr. Lankester read a list of dates of the periodical appearance of birds at
Llanrwst, observed by John Blackwall, Esq. ; and called attention to the importance
of such lists, in connexion with meteorological registers, in determining the influence
of external agents on the periodic phenomena of organization.
Dr. A. G. Melville, on a careful examination of the Lepidosiren annectens, had
come to a different conclusion from that held by Prof. Owen on the position of this
anomalous animal in the sub-kingdom Vertebrata. He had no hesitation in referring
it to the class of Amphibia, and was unwilling to limit that class to the closely allied
one of Fishes. He rested its reptilian character upon the absence of the supra-occi-
pital bone, the presence of the large epi- and basi-cranial bones, the non-development
of the maxillary and inter-maxillary bones, and especially on the enormous magni-
tude of the Wernerian bones which became subservient to mastication and were an-
chylosed to the expanded pterygoids : also on the composition of the tympanian pe-
dicle : on the nostril being doubled and the posterior aperture intra-oral— and referred
to Rusconi's remarks on the position of that aperture as influenced by the relative de-
velopment of the superior maxilla and vomer : on the double auricle, septum ventricu-
losum, semi-spiral bulbus arteriosus, and on the arrangement of the vessels distributed
to the external and internal gills and to the lungs ; and in addition to the left pul-
monary artery pointed out by Peters, he had found a right one, having, like its fellow,
its origin from the truncus aorta? : on the existence of external cutaneous gills during
the adult condition, which did not occur in any fish, and were not the homologies of
the deciduous filaments found in sharks and rays : on the co-existence of external
and internal gills with lungs — in other words, on its exhibiting the different modes of
circulation, respiration, &c, in the Proteus — second stage of the larva of the frog and
Amphiuma or Menopoma — (he instanced the like case of the tadpole, of the Rana
paradoxa, in which there were internal gills and lungs with a cartilaginous chorda
dorsalis, ossified neurapophysis, and protruded hinder extremities ; were this arrested
in its development before the external gills have wholly disappeared, we should have
an animal essentially similar to the Lepidosiren) : on the form and relative size of the
brain in relation to its containing cavity ; and mentioned certain calcareous concretions
1834 British Association.
which overlie the fourth ventricle, &c, <Scc. Many of the peculiarities were to
be classed among the adaptive characters ; — and for some excellent remarks on this
subject in reference to the osseous system in another tribe, to wit, the plagiostomous
fish, he would refer to Mr. Owen's ' Lectures,' vol. ii. The absence of respiration by
the surface, as in other Amphibia, might have an influence on the great developement
of the respiratory organs. In conclusion, although the Lepidosiren is the most fish-
like of the Amphibia, still he is forced to regard it as a true amphibian, and not as a
fish, and thus reverts to the determination of Bischoff.
The Prince of Canino stated that although Oken had pointed out the nostril
with two openings as a character of the Reptilia, he had received a letter from that
naturalist, in which he declared his belief that the Lepidosiren was a fish and not a
reptile, and that the double opening of the nostril was apparent and not real.
Prof. Owen thought the mere possession of a double nostril would not be sufficient
to place this animal with the reptiles. He, however, denied that this was the case.
The scales of the Lepidosiren were those of a fish. The breathing-organs he deemed
to have no more of the character of lungs than the organs possessed by many fishes
which occasionally lived on land. The circulation was not decidedly reptile, and ap-
proached in character that seen in some of the plagiostomous fishes and the young of
most fish. He did not think the size of blood-globules or the cells of the bone of suf-
ficient importance to decide the class of Lepidosiren. Neither could a better case be
made out for the heart or brain ; in the structure of both of which organs there was
an identical character with many fishes. The spiral character of intestine was certainly
a good distinction as far as existing Reptilia ; and he was not certain that the form of
the coprolites of the Ichthyosaurus depended on this structure. From the osteologi-
cal characters of the head he also concluded that the Lepidosiren was a fish and not a
reptile.
A long and rather desultory discussion followed ; in which the Prince of Canino,
Prof. Milne-Edwards, Sir J. Richardson, Dr. Carpenter, Dr. Melville, and Mr. Hogg
took part. — Mr. Gibson, from America, offered to send to England living specimens
of the American Lepidosiren. A wish was expressed that the naturalists present at
the Association should not part without an opportunity of examining the structure of
this animal ; and Dr. Carpenter and Dr. Melville offered their specimens for the pur-
pose. It was stated that Dr. Melville had been requested to draw up a report
on the structure and affinities of the Lepidosiren for the next meeting of the Asso-
ciation.
Prof. Acland exhibited a specimen of a living Proteus, which — having compared
with a specimen in the possession of Prof. Owen also placed on the table — he be-
lieved to be a new species. The two animals differed in colour, size, and the form of
the gills, as well as in their habits ; the one of Prof. Acland being much more active
than that of Prof. Owen.
The President, in commencing the business of the section, drew attention to a
project for erecting a statue to the memory of Geoffroy St. Hilaire, the philosophical
anatomist of France, in his natal city of Etampes.
The Rev. L. Jenyns exhibited some specimens of wood which had been attacked
by the larva of an insect called Callidium Bajulus. The external part presented
little or no indication of the mischief which had gone on in the interior. This decep-
tive appearance had nearly cost an individual his life, as it formed a part of the beam
of a church, and gave way on a workman setting his foot on it. The insect deposits
British Association. 1835
its eggs in the wood, and then when the larvae are hatched they eat their way out. —
Mr. Spence stated that other insects had the same hahits. An insect, a species of
Anobium, did great damage in the neighbourhood of Brussels. — Prof. Esmark stated
that the Callidium Bajulus was a rare insect in the eastern parts of Norway, hut in
the southern parts it was very common, and destructive to the timber of forests.
' On the Structure of the Larva of certain Acari,' by Prof. Allman. — The author
demonstrated in the six-legged larva of Halarachne Halichceri (Allm.), a digestive ca-
nal which expands on either side into two great ccecal pouches. Two long cceca also
may be seen opening into the rectum near its termination, and from this point may be
traced forwards on each side till they enter the basal joints of the anterior pair of legs.
A large nervous mass placed beneath the oesophagus was also pointed out, and the
fourth or posterior pair of legs, which are afterwards to become developed, may be seen
in a rudimental condition, confined as yet beneath the integument. No trace of
tracheae could be detected, though these are very evident in the adult, and the author
was of opinion that the respiratory function does not become specialized till after the
development of the fourth pair of legs.
Dr. Allman also read a paper ' On the Locomotive Larva of Plumatella fruc-
ticosa.'
A paper was also read by Dr. Allman * On the Development of Notodelphys,
(Allm)., a new genus of Entomostraca.'
Mr. L. Reeve stated that the common cowrie passed through the metamorphosis
that Prof. Allman had mentioned in other Mollusca. — Mr. Westwood drew attention
to the development of the Crustacea, in which when young the representatives of the
legs in the adult animal were shown by a series of eight moveable appendages round
their jaws. — Dr. Melville referred to the experiments of Sir John Dalyell and Mr.
Goodsir, on the reproduction of the lost parts in various Crustacea.
Wr. Westwood made some remarks on the existence of the potato-disease in Ox-
fordshire. Some potatoes of his own had been attacked this year, and in three diffe-
rent districts around Oxford he had observed its presence. As an entomologist, he
wished to deny most distinctly that he thought the disease arose from the attacks of an
insect. It had been stated by Mr. Smee that it arose from the attacks of a new Aphis
which he called vastator, but this Aphis, far from being new, had been described many
years ago and was a very common insect on decaying plants. Another gentleman pro-
posed to call the insect A. pestilens. Mr. Westwood drew attention to the ignorance
such observers displayed, as rendering it necessary that zoology should be taught as a
branch of science. He was sorry to be speaking on this subject in an English Univer-
sity where neither zoology nor comparative anatomy were recognized as branches of
education.
Mr. J. E. Grav stated that he had compared some specimens of the Aphis vastator
with species of Aphides in the British Museum, and found that under this name Mr.
Smee had included three or four well-known species. — Dr. Lankester drew attention
to a bundle of potato-stalks which he had brought from Pangbourne, which gave every
sign of disease, but not an Aphis could be found upon them. One fact of this kind
was sufficient to prove that the disease had no dependence upon the insect. He had
heard from a gentleman in Manchester that potatoes sown in new soil on Chat Moss
were free from the disease, whilst those sown in old soil all had the disease. This
looked as if the inorganic constituents of the soil or potato were the source of the dis-
ease.— Mr. Babington referred to the potato-stems from Pangbourne. He had ex-
1836 British Association.
amined the roots of these plants, and found that wherever the disease appeared in the
leaves there was evidence of disease in the roots. He believed the root was first at
fault. He quite agreed with Mr. Westwood in the necessity of a more general know-
ledge of Natural History. — SirW. Jardine said, that chemical investigations of a very
accurate nature, both of the soil and the potato, were being carried on in Edinburgh.
He had found that potatoes grown on moss soil were more free from disease than
others. This did not arise from the newness of the soil, for he had had some potatoes
entirely spoiled which were planted in an orchard recently turned up. He had seen
the stem and root very much affected without the leaves being diseased at all. — Mr.
Hogan called attention to a method he had pursued of preventing the disease in the
potato by growing them from seed. — Mr. C. Darwin had brought the seed of the po-
tato from Peru, and the tubers grown from it were quite as much affected as any other.
— Dr. Kelaart stated that he had recently heard from Ceylon that the potatoes had
been attacked in that island. — A Member said that he had just received letters from
New Zealand, and the potato was also affected there. — The Rev. N. Young, of New
College, exhibited some potato-leaves affected by the Aphis.
Mr. Murray communicated a paper ' On the Vitality of Potato-Seeds,' in which
the seeds of the potato had remained fifteen years in the ground, and then when the
soil was turned up they vegetated and produced a crop.
1 On the Structure of Nautilus Pompilius,' by Prof. Van der Hoven, of Leyden.
— My friend, De Vriese, lately gave me a specimen of Nautilus Pompilius, which was
in a bad state of preservation ; but still of great interest to me, as I found occasion to
observe a conformation of the head quite distinct from that which has been described
by Owen and Valenciennes. As to the external tentacula, I found only this very un-
important modification — that there were but nineteen at each side, instead of twenty.
Internal to this part, whose upper or dorsal part, called hood by Owen, fills entirely
the opening of the shell, the integument forms a prolongation, rising up to another
more internal circle. To the ventral or inferior side, this prolongation unites by a
transverse part with the external tentacular ring. This part shows many transverse
impressions parallel to the margin, and many irregular excavations, which give to it
a reticulated appearance. The prolongation is divided on each side into eight digita-
tions of different size, enclosing each a tentacle similar to that of the internal set, but
of a more minute size. Those parts correspond to the superior labial processes of
Owen (' Memoir on the Pearly Nautilus,' Tab. iv. g. g.) ; but in Owen's description,
and also in that specimen which has been described by Valenciennes, there are many
more tentacula — twelve in Owen's specimen, and thirteen in that of Valenciennes.
The last-named author calls this part the superior pair of the internal arms. Toward
the inferior part of the head, nearer to the infundibulum, which is situated at the me-
dian ventral line, there are two other processes in Owen's and Valenciennes' spe-
cimens: — the inferior labial processes of the former — the inferior pair of the internal
arms of the latter. Owen attributes, also, twelve tentacula to each of these processes.
In this point my specimen is entirely different. On the right side I found four ten-
tacula ; three on a common flat pedunculus ; the fourth and inferior on a separate di-
ctation* I also cannot agree with Owen in calling these inferior labial processes —
interior as they were in his specimen. In the specimen examined by me they were,
on the contrary, more interior than the superior labial processes. But at the left side
a still greater difference was to be observed. Instead of a labial process, there was a
great conoid body compressed from each side : at the basis of its measure, from the
British Association. 1837
dorsal to the ventral surface, was one inch ten lines ; from the right to the left only
one inch. This part was proved, by dissecting it, to be formed by the union of four
unusually developed tentacular slips ; one of which was shorter and more free ; the
three others chiefly composed the singular body. This part occupied a great space in
the interior of the tentacular circle of the head ; and, perhaps, its great development
may be the cause of the more imperfect state of the other three pair of labial pro-
cesses.
Prof. Owen regarded the observations of Prof. Van der Hoven as of more im-
portance than those of Valenciennes. The difference of number in the tentacles
proved that there was a range of variation in this respect ; and, therefore, not to be re-
lied on. He had examined a second specimen of the Nautilus, and had found that
the labial processes were inferior, and not interior, as stated by Prof. Van der Hoven.
He felt deeply indebted to the Professor for the kind manner in which he had brought
forward the points in which he differed from himself.
Mr. H. E. Strickland pointed out the various characters, external and internal,
which prove the dodo to be an aberrant genus of the family Columbidae, and to have
no connexion whatever with the vultures. His arguments were chiefly drawn from the
form of the beak, the position of the nostrils, the form of the palatine bones, of the na-
sal fissures, and of the zygomatic bones, the muscular gizzard, the shape of the feet,
the structure of the calcaneal processes, and of the posterior metatarsal, — all of which
closely agree with the pigeons, and especially with the genus Treron.*
Dr. Melville, who has lately made a minute examination of the head and foot
of the dodo, drew attention to some additional characters, which confirmed Mr.
Strickland's view of the affinities of that bird to the pigeons. — The Prince of Canino
stated that he was convinced that the dodo was neither a vulture nor an ostrich ; but
he must differ from his friend, Mr. Strickland, in placing it amongst the pigeons. He
believed it was as much like the Gallinacea?. The stones found in its gizzard did not
prove it a pigeon. The sternum resembled more that of gallinaceous birds or even the
struthious than that of the pigeons. — Dr. Melville maintained that the sternum of
the dodo more nearly resembled those of the pigeons than of any other family. The
skin of the dodo proved that it was a pigeon. — Mr. Philip Duncan stated that the
notices of the habits of the dodo were quite opposed to the notion that it was a pigeon.
It was evidently not a frugivorous bird, as when first taken its flesh was so distasteful
and smelt so badly that no one would attempt to eat it. He believed it a bird
sui generis.
Prof. M. Edwards read an elaborate and learned paper * On the Circulation of
the Blood in the Crustacea,' in which he entered into an historical criticism on this
subject; and stated the conclusions at which he had himself arrived. He also ex-
hibited some specimens of beautifully dissected insects prepared by M. Blanchard, in
which the existence of an exterior peritoneal tunic was found to exist around the cen-
tral vessel of the circulatory system of insects.
Dr. Melville inquired if all the blood in Crustacea passed through the bran-
chial cavities ? — Prof. M. Edwards replied in the affirmative. — Mr. G. Newi»ort ex-
pressed his pleasure at seeing the preparations of M. Blanchard ; and believed that
they explained some of the difficulties which he had formerly pointed out iu the
* This is a very old hypothesis, first started by Reinhardt, if I recollect right.— Ed.
v 2n
1838 British Association.
anatomy of insects. He had regarded the external tunic of the dorsal vessel of in-
sects as auricular.
' On the Families of British Lamellibranchiate Mollusca,' by Prof. E. Forbes. —
The object of this communication is to explain a classification of the Lamellibran-
chiate Conchifera, intended to be adopted by the author and Mr. Hanley in their
forthcoming work on the British Mollusca. It is an attempt to group our native spe-
cies in natural families, founded upon the more important and, at the same time, con-
spicuous features in the organization of the animals. The characters of the mantle,
the siphons, and the foot, are taken as a basis, though recognized as of variable im-
portance in the different tribes. The general habit, and often the sculpture, of the
shell is usually in striking accordance with the most essential features of the animal.
Characters derived from the hinge and from the position of the ligament, hitherto
mainly depended upon by conchologists, prove to be in the majority of instances bad
guides for determining the natural affinities of the mollusk, and seldom of more than
generic value.
The following are the separate families adopted by the authors : —
Section A.— DYMIARIA.
1. Pholadid^e — including Teredo, Pholas, and Gastrochena, as types of tribes ;
the last associated with Saxicava and Venerupis, and probably Necera, Poromya, and
Sphenia. Animal with a mantle closed in front, leaving a small anteal aperture for
the passage of the truncate or digitiform foot. Siphons united nearly to their ex-
tremities, their apertures cirrhated.
2. Myadje — including My a, Panopcea, Lutraria, and perhaps Corbula. Mantle
closed, except anteally, where it is open for the passage of a thick and digitiform, but
not large foot. Siphons long, united to their extremities (which are slightly fim-
briated), enclosed in an epidermic sheath.
3. SoleniDjE — of which Solen is the only British genus. Mantle closed, except
anteally, where it is open for the passage of a very large, thick, obliquely truncate
foot. Margins of mantle, where free, partly fimbriated. Siphons short, united, un-
equal, with cirrhated margins.
4. Solecurtid^ — Solecurtus. Mantle open anteriorly, for the large, thick, api-
culated foot. Siphons with an enlarged united base, divided at their extremities, and
having fimbriated apertures.
5. Pandoridje. Mantle open for a falcate foot. Siphons unequal, partly united
and divergent, with fimbriated apertures. Pandora, Lyonsia.
6. TELLINID.AS. Mantle open and fimbriated at the margin. Foot digitiform or
triangular. Siphons long, separated, often nearly equal, and having plain apertures.
Thracia (?), Scrobicularia, Abra, and Montacuta (?), form one section of this group ;
Tellina and Psammobia a second and more typical division.
7. Donacid^. Mantle open, fimbriated at the margin. Foot broadly triangular.
Siphons unequal, separate, and fimbriated at the edge. Donax and Mesodesma, and
probably also Diodonta.
8. Venerid^;. Mantle open, fimbriated at the margin. Siphons united nearly to
their strongly fimbriated extremities. Foot triangular. Mactra links this group
with the last. Venus and its sub-genera are typical.
9. CyprinaDjE. Mantle open, fimbriated. Siphons very short, united or nearly
so ; one with aperture fimbriated, the other plain. Cyprina, Astarte, Circe.
British Association. 1839
10. Cardiad^:. Mantle open, fimbriated. Foot hamate and digitiform. Siphons
very short, united nearly to their ends. Apertures, one plain and one fimbriated.
Cardium.
11. Chamad^e. Mantle closed, except a small aperture for the foot, and two fim-
briated siphonal openings. Foot hamate. Isocardia.
12. Lucinad^e. Mantle united in great part, leaving an opening anteally for
the foot, which is slender and digitiform. Siphons very unequal, one being often
nearly obsolete; both apertures plain. Lucina, Cyclas (?)
13. Kelliad^e. Mantle closed, except a small aperture for the foot, and two
nearly sessile plain siphonal openings. Kellia, Galeomma, Lepton (?)
14. UnionidjE. Mantle open; Siphons very short, fimbriated ; sometimes one
obsolete. Foot veiy large. Unio, Anodon.
15. Dreissenadje. Mantle in great part closed. Siphons very short, fimbriated,
and foot digitiform. Dreissena.
16. Mytilidje. Mantle open, and not closed, or only partly closed to form
siphons. Foot very small, Mytilus ; and in an allied group, Pinna and Avieula.
17. Arcade. Mantle open. Siphons very short, or considerably developed and
then united. Foot disciform. Area, Pectunculus, Leda, Nucula.
Section B.— MONOMYARIA.
18. PectenidjE. Mantle completely open, fimbriated and eyed. Foot well
developed. Pecten, Lima.
19. OsTREADiE. Mantle freely open. Foot obsolete. Ostrea, Anomia.
A discussion followed the reading of this paper, in which the Prince of Canino,
Mr. Lovell Reeve, Dr. Carpenter, and Prof. Milne-Edwards, took part. The
principal points alluded to by the speakers were the position of particular genera of
shells in the arrangement of Prof. Forbes.
* On the Anatomy of Scyllaea,' by A. Hancock and D. Embleton, M.D. — The in-
ternal structure of this animal was found pretty accurately to agree with the details
given by Cuvier, though some important matters relative to the digestive apparatus
seem to have been overlooked. The presence of a gland at the commencement of the
cesophagus, its small stomach receiving large ducts from the biliary masses, its large
and long intestine, approximate it to the Dorididae ; but the stomach with an internal
dental apparatus would appear to be peculiar. Its branched system of tubes in the
skin and branchial tufts show its relation to the Eolididae, but the re-division of some
of these tubes in the periphery of the globular biliary organs, with the convolutions of
which they communicate on the one hand, and the passage of others on the other hand
into the intestinal canal, are peculiarities of structure not found in either of the families
mentioned.
* Notes on British Mollusca, with Descriptions of New Species,' by J. Alder and
A.Hancock. — The species described have been discovered since the last meeting.
They are Proctonotus (?) splendidus, remarkable for bearing a crest between the dorsal
tentacles by which they are united together at the base. It is from Torbay and Fowey.
2. Scylleea pelagica, taken at Falmouth by Mr. Cocks. 3. Tritonia lineata, from
Scarborough. 4. Eolis Peachii, dredged by Mr. Peach iu Fowey Harbour. 5. Eolis
exigua, or Laminaria, at Fowey and Falmouth, possibly the Tergipes lacinulatus of
Loven. 6. Chalidis nigricans, at Falmouth ; with 7. Acteonia corrugata, and 8. the
]840 British Association.
type of a new genus, Ictis, allied to Acteonia, but differing in having dorsal tentacles
and in the absence of the groove and angles at the sides of the head. The animal is
limaciform. The head is scarcely angulated, and bears two linear tentacles on its dor-
sal aspect, behind and a little anterior to which are the eyes ; frons a little behind
the centre of the back. A single species, Ictis Cocksii, from Falmouth. The authors
propose to unite the genera, Elysia, Placobranchus, Acteonia, Chalidis, Limapontia,
and Ictis in a new order, characterized by the absence of specialized breathing organs
or other dorsal appendages, and for which they propose the name of Pellibranchiata.
* Notice of Dredging Researches in Progress,' by Prof. E. Forbes. — A number of
specimens of remarkable British animals were laid on the table, preserved in a very
perfect condition by Mr. Goadby, who is at present accompanying Mr. M'Andrew on
a dredging voyage in the seas of the Zetlands and Hebrides. Mr. M'Andrew has
forwarded to the Meeting specimens of a living Terebratula, dredged off Skye; iden-
tical with the crag fossil, T. cistellula, of Mr. Searles Wood. A new Holothuria, dis-
covered by Mr. Gwynn Jeffreys, was also laid on the table.
'On the Animal of Lepton squamosum,' by J. Alder. — The mantle of this
hitherto undescribed mollusk is very large, extending much beyond the shell, and is
fringed with filaments ; one of which is much longer than the rest. The mantle is
open, except before and behind ; where it forms a short siphon, with a single aperture.
The foot is very large, thick and tapering ; and has a disk like the foot of Nucula. It
forms a fine byssus. The branchial leaflets are two on each side.
Mr. Waterhouse read a paper ' On the Geographical Distribution of the
Rodentia.'
Mr. Westwood read a paper ' On the Habits of some Blind Insects.'
The Prince of Canino read a paper ' On the Classification of the Testudinata.' —
The three principal groups into which he divided the whole of the species were, —
1. Testudinideae ; 2. Trionycideae ; 3. Chelonideae.
Prof. Nillson read a paper ' On the Disappearance of certain Mammalia from
particular districts of the continent of Europe.'
Mr. Peach announced some additions to the Cornish Fauna. The whole of the
species of Zoophytes found in the British islands are 224, of which 150 have been
found in Cornwall. He now added Corymorphasys nutans. In shells he had found
Lepton squamosum, Pleurotoma teres — in other departments, Planaria vittata, Onis-
cus ceruleatus. He also exhibited specimens of Botrylli, preserved in Canada bal-
sam, with all the colours perfect ; also the nidus of the Gurmellus, attached to the
under-side of stones found in Fowey Harbour.
Mr. Westwood stated that Oniscus ceruleatus was an interesting discovery, and
described its structure, and drew particular attention to the enormous development of
the thoracic segments. — Mr. Charlesworth inquired the particulars of the finding
Lepton squamosum, as this had been hitherto regarded as an extinct species, belong-
ing to the older Tertiaries. — Prof. E. Forbes drew attention to the Pleurotoma teres.
He had first dredged it in the .ZEgean ; it had since been found in Norway, by Prof.
Loven, and now in Cornwall. He believed it was always found in what he called the
glacial outliers of modern seas — those places he had recommended for cod-fishing.
Mr. W. Thompson announced the discovery of species of Teredo, Limnoria,
Xylophaga and Chelura, in Ireland, all of which were found contributing to the de-
struction of a pier.
A discussion followed the reading of this paper, on the mode in which the Mol-
Sea-Serpent. 1841
lusca bore into wood and other materials. — Prof. E. Forbes stated that some of the
Gasteropoda had tongues covered with silica to enable them to bore, and it was pro-
bably by some process of this kind that all the Mollusca bored. — Mr. Peach had
never observed the species of Pholas to turn round in their holes, as had been stated
by some observers, although he had watched them with great attention. — Mr.
Charlesworth referred to the fact that, in one species of shell, not only did the hole
in the rock which the animal occupied increase in size, but also the hole through which
it projected its siphons.
* On the genera Nebalia (Leach), and Chirocephalus (Prevost) ; Brachipus
(Schcejfer)? by Dr. Baird. — Upon an attentive examination of the species of the genus
Nebalia, described by different authors, the writer is induced to reduce them to two i
— 1st. Nebalia bipes, Cancer bipes (Fabricius and Herbst.), Monoculus rostratus {Mon-
tagu) ; Nebalia Herbstii (Leach). 2nd. Nebalia Geoffroyi (Milne-Edwards), Nebalia
Straussi (Risso). With regard to the Chirocephalus of Prevost, it appears evident that
the genus Branchipus, as originally described by Schaeffer, and minutely figured by
him in all its details, is quite distinct from the species found in England, and
described by authors under that name. The differences are so great and well marked,
that it is necessary to refer them to the genus Chirocephalus of Prevost, so beautifully
figured at the end of Jurine's work on the Monoculi of Geneva.
A Plea for the North -Atlantic Sea-Serpent. By Charles Cogswell, M.D.
" Every generation of man is born to stare at something, which so long as it
eludes their understanding, is a very African fetishe to the many, and a Gordian knot
to the few." — Hawkins's Memoirs of Lchthyosauri and Plesiosauri.
Of the numerous contributions supplied through the press to support the cause of
the subject of this article, one of the most recent has arrested my attention, because of
the particulars having been long since familiar to me by oral communication from the
writer in person. I allude to the interesting narrative contained in the 'Zoologist' for
May last, describing a meeting with such an animal off the coast of one of the Bri-
tish provinces, stretching out into the Atlantic to the north-east of New England. It
is worthy of notice that several animals of the Cetaceous kind (sometimes conjectured
to have been a source of deception) were seen and scanned in limine, and an opportu-
nity was thus afforded for immediate discrimination. Immediately subjoined is
another statement, copied from a foreign newspaper, being the tribute of a French sea-
captain to the same object, but qualified with so much of the characteristic national
precision in the detail of certain forms and measurements, as rather to display an ela-
borate view of disjointed parts, than represent them all in harmony together as belong-
ing to one individual. It betrays the caution of a witness, who would fain keep an
opening in reserve for escape from a precarious position. The former adventure took
place in 1833, the latter in 1840, and now they are related almost simultaneously
within the last few months.
Nor is this delay to be wondered at, when we consider how much the reverse of
unbiassed is the tribunal of public opinion, before which they appear. It will
hardly be denied that there is no debateable point in the modern records of observa-
1842 Sea-Serpent.
tion more complacently devoted to ridicule by all but universal consent, than that of
the existence of huge serpent-like animals in the North Atlantic Ocean. The very
mention of the name of sea-serpent in the singular number with the definite article
prefixed, suggests to most minds an idea of some anomalous monster, without parentage
or congeners, feigned to haunt the recesses of the deep, and, like the ghost of vulgar
superstition, manifesting itself now and again for the sole conceivable end of adorning
some wonderful legend. This impression, favoured by the circumstance of no actual
specimen having ever occurred to the observation of a naturalist, much less been ob-
tained for deliberate examination, has caused the subject of our notice to rank with
the mermaid, the unicorn, the griffin, and other prodigies of the olden faith. It does
not fail to be objected that Norway, a locality most fruitful in accounts of the appear-
ances in question, has been immemorially distinguished for a vivid perception of the
marvellous. Nor, after hearing the other side of the Atlantic, are we much better
able to divest our minds of suspicion with regard to the trustworthy character of the
witnesses ; our relative in the west having acquired nearly as much celebrity for the
endowment of a grand inventive genius as his Scandinavian ally in the cause of sea-
serpents. They differ indeed, in so far as the latter believes and venerates his own
creations, while the American indulges his fancy for the purely benevolent purpose of
what is called " hoaxing " the unwary public. Not many years since, it may be re-
collected, one of these pleasant philosophers enlightened his fellow-mortals with a
" true and particular " description of certain winged inhabitants assumed to have
been discovered in the moon by an eminent living astronomer, giving the details with
so much simplicity and affected candour with regard to some particulars, in the man-
ner of ' Gulliver's Travels,' that many readers were not aware of its being a fabrication.
Such proofs of a disposition to practise on the public credulity, too often repeated, ne-
cessarily communicate a colouring of insincerity to all other reports of strange events
emanating from the same source, and certainly demand the exercise of an unusual
amount of circumspection, though they do not justify scepticism, in the case now
before us.
Making due allowance for these peculiarities in the testimony, we may, neverthe-
less, proceed in a spirit of induction to examine into the tendency of the collateral
evidence. The question after all, when reduced to its simplest form, comes to be
little more than one of geographical distribution. That is to say, that even if we
choose to confine the animal to the true serpents, which has been the ordinary concep-
tion heretofore, there is no obvious impediment to oppose it, either on the score of
want of analogy, or of structural incapacity. Amphibiousness, to commence with, in
its popular acceptation, or the capability of spending a considerable time in the wa-
ter, is one of the most familiar properties of serpents, as illustrated in the common
suake (Coluber natrix) and the viper, the only two species, if we except the blind-
worm, ascertained to be indigenous to these islands. " Snakes," observes Professor
Bell (* History of British Keptiles') "are extremely fond of the water, taking to it
readily, and swimming with great elegance and ease, holding the head and neck above
the surface. It is extremely probable that they resort to the water in search of frogs."
In the learned system of Schlegel, translated by Professor Traill — the ' Physiognomy
of Serpents' — members of various ophidian groups are characterised as living near and
inhabiting lakes and rivers. Some belong to the genera Tropidonotus (which here
includes the first named British species), and Homalopsis, comprised under the head
of ' Fresh-water Serpents.' Of the Boas, this author says, " several species frequent
Sea-Serpent. 1843
fresh water, and there are some of them essentially aquatic,'' among them the Boa
murina, the largest of known serpents, and his two species of Acrochordus.
Further, and what completely sets at rest the part of the case we are now consider-
ing, there are swarms of marine ophidians inhabiting the warm latitudes of the Pacific.
These " appear to have been partly known to the ancients. (Elian informs us that
Hydrae with flat tails were found in the Indian Seas, and that they also existed in the
marshes. He also tells us that these reptiles had very sharp teeth, and appeared to
be venomous. According to Ctesias, the serpents of the river Argada, in the province
of Sittacene, remain concealed at the bottom of the water during the day, and by night
they attack persons who go to bathe or wash linen.'' (Griffith in Cuvier). Schlegel
has no less than seven species collected under the generic name of Hydrophis, con-
stituting his family of sea-snakes ; they are especially fitted for aquatic life, having
the nostrils directed vertically and furnished with valves, and the tail flattened like an
oar ; they reside in the sea exclusively, never going on land, and are supposed to prey
on fishes. Their limits belong to the intertropical regions of the Indian Seas, or of
the great Pacific Ocean.
The existence of bon&Jide sea-serpents being therefore a matter of notoriety, (and
preserved specimens are to be seen at any time on the shelves of the British Museum),
we have but to address ourselves to the subordinate inquiry, whether there be suffi-
cient reason for assigning to any of the family a habitat in the North Atlantic Ocean.
And here it is necessary to put away all that idea of deviation from the common order
of nature, which would connect the evidence heretofore given with some isolated ex-
crescence, so to speak, of the animal kingdom. The great size attributed to them
has, doubtless, served very materially to produce an unfavorable impression. Schlegel
limits the extreme length of the greatest known serpent to twenty-five feet, although
such naturalists as Cuvier and Milne- Edwards, allow an extension of thirty or forty
feet to some of the Boas. These estimates do not fall so far short of those contended
for in the present instance as to form an insuperable ground of objection. Many
witnesses, whose character and station in life command respect, whatever judgment
may be formed of their powers of correct observation, profess to be fully persuaded
that they have seen immense creatures, resembling serpents, in the vicinity of the
European or the American shores. The several depositions from Norway that appeared
in the ' Zoologist ' for February last, comprise the testimony not only of fishermen,
drawing their subsistence from the sea, and familiar with the more prevalent forms of
its inhabitants, but of a class commonly presumed to be well educated, as merchants,
clergymen, and a surgeon. Their observations indeed vary on the subject of length
(varying between forty and one hundred feet), and likewise on some of the details of
outline, so that they may either relate to different specimens, or to deceptive phe-
nomena producing dissimilar impressions, whichever alternative the critic may be in-
clined to prefer. The first notice, transmitted by an English gentleman, holding a
responsible appointment under the Crown in one of our transatlantic dependencies, is
calculated to supply any deficiency on the part of the new hemisphere, so far as a faith-
ful representation of what was submitted to the eye alone may remain a desideratum.
But for the resolution manifested in this periodical, to allow the question a fair hear-
ing on its sterling merits, there can be little doubt that this testimony would not have
been forthcoming ; like, in all probability, more of the same ingenuous stamp, which
the unwillingness of the principals to oppose the current of public opinion, directly
1844 Sea-Serpent.
proportioned to the value of the character they run the risk of compromising for no
obvious use, induces them to withhold.
But it may be asked, how is it possible to explain the circumstance of these
monstra natantia being encountered no farther South than about the sixtieth or fifty-
fifth parallel on the European boundary, while in the American waters their domain
approaches so much nearer the Equator, as Nova Scotia (or New Scotland) and New
England ? By a curious and happy coincidence, of like significance to many that are
constantly springing up to confirm the results of independent research, such for in-
stance as the print of the piscivorous gavials in a prior leaf of the " stone book '' to
the mammalivorous crocodiles ; it happens that precisely a line swerving from Nor-
way in a southerly direction to Massachusetts, is the boundary likewise of other ma-
rine animals of corresponding types. Among the divisions of the North Atlantic, re-
cently marked out by Professor Edward Forbes, as determined by the presence of simi-
lar forms of animal life, occurs what is called the " Arctic and Boreal " province,
which " sweeps across the northernmost part of the North Atlantic from Europe, ex-
tending down the coast of North America as far as Massachusetts, but nothing like
so far on the European side as the American." (Lecture at the Royal Institution,
May 14th, 1847).
Thus copiously backed by the most affirmative evidence, both positive and circum-
stantial, all contributing to establish his lawful claim to entity, the " great unknown "
of the North Atlantic has still to overcome the strong feeling of discredit so widely
associated with his past history, before he can hope to be understood as seriously claim-
ing to be a subject of the animal kingdom. If men of the highest name in science
condescend to notice him at all, it is most probably with a smile at the expense of
what they consider a crude invention, to which no importance should be attached.
But authority, however exalted, has no patent of final adjudication in cases where its
means of information are confessedly imperfect, as compared with those enjoyed by
the supporters of a disputed position. The learned world was centuries in believing
the story of Herodotus about little birds resorting to feed on insects within the
" stretched jaws ? of the crocodile. Bruce all but ruined his credit for a time by re-
lating that he had seen the Abyssinians eat the raw flesh cut from one of the haunches
of a living cow ; and there are some who, with no more reason, pretend to doubt the
good faith of a contemporary traveller, who declares that he once made a brief excur-
sion on the back of an alligator. The conflicts of discovery and opinion, engross in-
deed no small share of the history of human knowledge. There are cases, no doubt,
in which both the senses and the judgment of incompetent persons are liable to be
imposed upon by irrelevant facts created or qualified for the occasion. But here
there is no hypothesis concerned requiring nature to be tortured into its service ; phy-
siology can have no latent objections, ready to start up unawares and make a mockery
of belief, because some of the serpent kind are indubitably organized for an aquatic
medium ; the laws of geographical distribution, deduced irrespectively, yield their
consent ; and the integrity of not a few of the narrators is unimpeachable. Are
we justified in rejecting the text because the interpretation may not harmonize with
our views ; in imputing wilful dishonesty to those who merely describe to the best of
their ability what their eyes have disclosed to them ? We do not despise the mermaid,
the triton, and syren, as altogether imaginary, but endeavour to reconcile at least their
physical attributes with those of the the seal or oriental dugong. The unicorn is
Sea-Serpent. 1845
supposed to have itsoriginal in the narwhal ; and the griffin is recognised as a well-known
friend in an antiquated garb, being no other than the tapir, somewhat disfigured by tra-
vellers, and further indebted to the artist for a pair of wings and an architectural style of
tail. Even the ghost-seer is seldom suspected of intentional fraud, however justly we
may believe him to be the dupe of an imagination acted on by some positive phenome-
non. The collateral truths which testify on the affirmative side have been dwelt upon to
some extent, and shall again be adverted to presently. On the other hand, surely
there must be something peculiar in the economy of a vast air-breathing race, fre-
quenting well-known tracts, and yet never visible but by the merest accident ; nor is
it any sufficient answer to refer to the construction of the breathing apparatus, distinc-
tive of the marine ophidians, enabling them to live long under water, and respire air
with an almost imperceptible exposure above the surface, because the like provision
does not prevent the Pacific denizens from being abundantly subject to observation.
The want of conformity in some of the reported particulars of form and dimensions is
of insignificant moment, and may easily be converted into a proof of innocence
of design. Above all, the objections, be it understood, are not of the hind which the
public at large appear to imagine them. There is nothing ridiculous or abnormal in
the idea of a sea-serpent. So far from this, the philosopher should rather be required
to give a reason why at least the warmer situations of the Atlantic are unprovided with
occupants corresponding to those which dwell in the opposite region of the globe.
If the diversity of detail be accounted too serious an objection to be so lightly dis-
missed, is there no other organization within our cognizance which more satis-
factorily embodies the several conditions rather loosely intimated than prescribed
throughout the problem ? The portraits given in authors of the restored Plesiosaurus,
albeit conceived to represent beings that " filled up the measure of their years long
before Eden was planted, and the dominion of man made of the red earth, acknow-
ledged '' (Hawkins), offer several particulars answering to those ascribed in most of
the notices on record to the so-named sea-serpent, — the long, over-arched neck, the
huge trunk, the protracted tail, and sometimes (see the deposition of Archdeacon
Deinboll, ' Zool. ' 1606) an appearance of fins or paddles. This coincidence is the
more remarkable, because no one can suppose it to have been preconcerted. Hence
the ingenious suggestion of the Editor of the ' Zoologist,' that the animals may be-
long to one of the Enaliosaurian types, seems to supply the only deficient link in the
chain of demonstration, before we arrive at the final proof, a spectacle open to all ob-
servers. The neck of the Plesiosaurus (presuming this to be the genus indicated) "is
composed of upwards of thirty bones, a number far exceeding that of the cervical ver-
tebrae in any other known animal. This reptile combines in its structure the head of
a lizard, with teeth like those of a crocodile, a neck resembling the body of a serpent,
a trunk and tail of the proportions of those of a quadruped, with paddles like those of
turtles,'' (Mantell's ' Wonders of Geology '). If this seemingly whimsical coaptation of
incongruous members, which the dictum of science has consigned to the doom of pre-
Adamite extinction, can be suspected without unpardonable heresy to be yet among
the living,* what is more allowable than to surmise that persons even of cultivated in-
* To show the difficulty of fixing a date for the existence of wild animals, historians
announced the destruction of the wolf in this island ages before the good work was
v 2o
1846 Sea-Serpent.
tellect, but quite unconscious that such things had ever existed, may have all honestly
striven, more or less, to mould their visual perception into accordance with the
familiar notion suggested by its general outline ; and thus have given rise to the con-
fusion objected to in their reports. Be this as it may, the discovery by Mr. Darwin
of marine saurians, though but three or four feet long, about some of the South Sea
islands, contradicts any assumption that animals approaching to it in character are no
longer extant. To account upon this supposition likewise for the hide-and-seek
sort of life which those in question seem to lead, it may be observed that " the breath-
ing-holes of the Plesiosaurus differ from those of all other existing reptiles, and re-
semble those of whales.'' They are placed " near the highest part of the head, where
they would enable the animal most readily to breathe without exposing anything more
than the apertures themselves above the water, corresponding admirably with the ma-
rine habits of the animal as indicated by the structure of its extremities," (Ansted's
' Ancient World,' 1847).
Without committing myself to anything more than a belief that the subject is one
fairly entitled to be considered an open question — open to the unrestrained testimony
of future casual observers, equally with the criticism of the scientific — I feel as-
sured that I cannot better express the opinion which every candid peruser of what has
been stated must be prepared to arrive at, than by using the words of a naturalist who
has given his attention to these remarks. " The argument appears to me perfectly
satisfactory in favour of at least a suspension of judgment on the subject. The ques-
tion is whether the evidence is such as would induce any man to believe, whose mind
was prepossessed with no notions at all respecting it. Should we credit the testimony,
if the animal to which it relates were claimed to be a mere variety ? I think we
should."
Charles Cogswell.
Keppel Street, Bloomsbury.
accomplished, and the stag was said by Buffon to have disappeared south of the bor-
der prior to 1760, although still to be met with in Somerset and Devon. The same
hurry to exterminate has elicited rebuke with regard to the beaver in France, the ibex
in the Pyrenees, the elk, bison, &c. in their respective localities. There is a current
tradition among the North-American Indians of a gigantic wild beast destructive to
their forefathers, which answers from their description to the Megatherium ; this crea-
ture's bones are found in company with those of the horse ; the latter, although long
refused to the New World, is strongly suspected to be of native origin, independently
of its introduction by Europeans since the period of Columbus.
See the volume on ■ Horses,' with the appended memorandum by Col. Hamilton
Smith, forming part of the ' Naturalist's Library.'
Description of Ball's Dredge. 1847
Pike. — " It is frequently said that putting pike into a lake would destroy the trout-
fishing ; hut I have invariably found that in all the lakes of a considerable size, where
the pike were plenty, the trout have improved very much in size and quality, and not
diminished in numbers to any great extent." — Wild Sports of the Highlands.
Lamprey. — " One summer day I was amused by watching the singular proceedings
of two lampreys in a small ditch of clear running water near my house. They were
about six inches in length and as round as a pencil. The two little creatures were
most busily employed in making little triangular heaps of stones, using for the purpose
irregularly shaped bits of gravel about the size of a large pea. When they wished to
move a larger stone, they helped each other in endeavouring to roll it into the desired
situation : occasionally they both left off their labours and appeared to rest for a short
time, and then to return to the work with fresh vigour. The object of their building
I am not sufficiently learned in the natural history of the lamprey to divine ; but I
conclude that their work had something to do with the placing of their spawn. It
seems, however, so singular a manoeuvre on the part of fish to build up regular little
pyramids of gravel, bringing some of the stones from the distance of two feet against
the current and rolling them to the place with evident difficulty, that the lampreys
must have some good reason which induces them to take this trouble. It is a great
pity that the habits of fish and animals living in water are so difficult to observe with
any degree of accuracy.'' — Id.
Enormous Trout. — On Monday last a trout was taken with the rod and line in the
river Wye, near this city, of the following measurement : — Length from end of snout
to end of tail, 22| inches ; largest girth, behind pectoral fin, 13^ inches ; male fish ;
weight when first caught 5itfcs. The fish was in fine season, and was displayed for
sale at Mrs. White's, Widemarsh-street. — Hereford Journal, June 9th, 1847.
Description of Ball's Dredge.
The * Zoologist ' presents but a scanty list of papers on Marine Zoology, but
every year this branch of science assumes an increased importance, ever since the
dredging researches of Professor Edward Forbes in the iEgean Sea were given to the
world, and with respect to the Mollusca, their claim to the title of the " Medals of
Creation," as given them by Bergman, is more firmly established, by enabling us bet-
ter to understand the circumstances under which the stratified rocks have been origi-
nally deposited. And independently of this, no naturalist can read the interesting
1 Lectures on Zoology ' of Professor R. Jones, or the excellent little work entitled
1 Introduction to Zoology for the use of Schools, part 1st. Invertebrate Animals,' by
R. Paterson, Esq., without feeling anxious to form some practical acquaintance with
the subjects of so much pleasant discourse. All fishermen are at first with difficulty
induced to preserve the rejectamenta of their traps, lines, nets, and dredges. Littoral
rambles on a productive coast are very instructive, but the dredge is the principal
source of our knowledge of the marine Invertebrata ;. this implement, however, is only
used where there are oyster banks : it is cumbrous in form, and expensive in its ma-
nagement, requiring a large boat, and a stout crew ; however, Robert Ball, Esq., of
Dublin, invented a dredge which is so light and portable, and withal so efficient, that
1848
Description of BalVs Dredge.
it has met with the universal approbation of all British naturalists, and I hope that
the accompanying figure and description of this dredge may prove acceptable to the
readers of the ' Zoologist,' and sufficiently explicit to enable any one to direct a coun-
try blacksmith in its construction. In the practical use of the dredge, I have no ex-
perience, but hope, ere long, " to be afloat."
Ball's Dredge.
The figure represents the dredge mounted and prepared for action : the two scra-
pers ABCD and ABCD are each twenty inches in length, by two inches in breadth ;
parallel with their lower edges CD and CD, about fourteen holes, equidistant from each
other, are pierced to receive the laces of the bag, and these two plates are joined at
their lower extremities, by means of two cross bars CC and DD, so as to form an
angle of about 456 with the plane of this position ; each crossbar is five inches in
length, by three and a half eighths in diameter : the arms EF and EF are each six-
teen inches in length, by three-eighths in diameter, and play upon the cross bars by
means of double swivel joints, as seen at EE and EE. Their anterior extremities at F
are beaten flat, so as to meet closely and vertically, and are pierced for the reception of
the bolt H, which, at the same time, passes through the extremities of what may
perhaps be termed the bridle ring G, to which the rope is affixed. The head of the
bolt H is pierced to receive the end of a little iron spike for the better working of the
screw, and at any time, by drawing the said bolt H, and folding the arms inwards, the
whole apparatus may be stowed away in a moderate sized carpet bag, for its weight
will not exceed seven or eight pounds, and the cost of one made by Messrs. Sibbald
and Sons, George-street, Edinburgh, is only seven shillings ; the above description is
taken from one of their manufacture, and it is the favourite size of such as they have
made for Professor Edward Forbes and J. Goodsir. In no case should the bag ex-
Asterias and Crustacea. 1849
ceed eighteen inches in depth ; one may be made of best twine, with meshes half an
inch apart, and another of cheese-cloth or serge for fine work ; but perhaps I cannot
do better than state the results of conversation I had on this subject with J. S. Bower-
bank, Esq., of London, and Lieutenant Thomas, R.N., at a recent meeting of the
Berwickshire Naturalists' Club.
The strength of the rope required for Ball's dredge must be regulated entirely by
the depth at which it is employed, in all cases a 141b. weight should be attached to
the rope, six inches distant from the dredge. A raw hide, such as has been imported
as a wrapper for bales of tobacco or tallow, and which may be purchased in London for
eighteen pence, will make three bags of the most durable and efficient description, and
they should have holes a quarter of an inch in diameter, cut with a punch or simply
stabbed with a knife, to facilitate the discharge of the water, and to save the trouble
of canting the bag after it is drawn up from the water, there should be a slit five
inches in length cut in the bottom and laced with a thong. A man and a boy (or two
men and a boy, I forget which) are able to manage the whole apparatus.
A boat's grapnel and a cabbage-net will form a useful implement in case of need.
Two or three moderate sized sieves are required for sifting mud and sand, the
height of the sieves may be four or five inches, and the meshes of their copper or
brass wire bottoms should be one-tenth of an inch apart ; by attaching three strings,
which are held in the hand, the more valuable contents of the sieve are readily exposed
by repeated dippings in the water.
Perhaps I may be allowed to suggest that the skin of a sheep, which may be pur-
chased for fourteen pence or thereby, after the wool is shorn off, will form a pretty
good substitute for a hide. In the Appendix to Messrs. Tulk and Henfrey's
' Anatomical Manipulation,' there are some excellent notes on dredging by Professor
Edward Forbes, which the Editor may transcribe, if he thinks proper. — Archibald
Hepburn ; Whittingham, June 14th, 1847.
Notes on the Preparation of Specimens of Asterias and Crustacea. — To Mr. Bow-
erbank, I am indebted for these useful" notes, which cannot be too widely known
to naturalists, and it is on this account, that I trust, Mr. B. will pardon the liberty
taken in giving them publicity.
Fasten two or three threads to the arms of Asterias and plunge them suddenly into
boiling water. The magnificent Asterias papposa, which I have obtained over seven
inches in diameter from our coast, should have a bath for four minutes. Asterias gla-
cialis, the common species, for three minutes, and the little Pinnoteras or pea crabs
found in Modiola vulgaris for two minutes ; they are then dried in a draft.
The larger Crustacea should be allowed to steep in fresh water till their flesh be-
comes putrid and fluid ; the specimen is then suspended or laid in different positions
until the contents of its shell shall have run off, and after being dried in a draft, it is
fit for the cabinet. — Archibald Hepburn ; Whitti?igham, June 14th, 1847.
1850 Jenyns' Natural History.
The Poet Gray's copy of the Systema Natures. — Mason, in his * Life of the poet
Gray,' says in a note, page 321, vol. ii., " I have given in the beginning of this section,
an account of the great pains which Mr. Gray bestowed on Natural History. I have
since been favoured with a letter from a gentleman, well skilled in science, who, after
carefully perusing his interleaved ' Systema Naturae ' of Linnaeus, gives me the cha-
racter of it. * In the class of animals (the Mammalia) he has concentrated (if I may
use the expression) what the old writers and the diffuse Buffon have said upon the
subject; he has universally adapted the concise language of Linnaeus, and has given
it an elegance which the Swede had no idea of; but there is little of his own in this
class, and it served him only as a common-place ; but it is such a common-place that
few men but Mr. Gray could form. In the birds and fishes he has most accurately
described all that he had an opportunity of examining : but the volume of insects is
the most perfect; on the English insects there is certainly nothing so perfect. In re-
gard to the plants, there is little else than the English names and their native soils, ex-
tracted from the ' Species Plantarum ' of Linnaeus. I suppose no man was so com-
plete a master of his system ; he had selected the distinguishing marks of each animal,
&c. with the greatest judgment, and what no man else probably could have done, he
has made the German Latin of Linnaeus purely classical.'''
[It would be highly creditable to the Ray Society to print a work of this kind : I
am told it may be considered public property at least for such a purpose as publication:
what a treat it would afford to the British naturalist : how infinitely preferable to some
of the useless volumes this Society has issued. — E. Newman].
Extracts from Jenyns' Observations on Natural History.*
[The obvious similarity of Mr. Jenyns' work to White's * Selborne ' has led many
reviewers to laud it somewhat too highly : in accuracy and originality it is very infe-
rior to its prototype : it is Natural History attenuated, spun out, made into a book :
still it has pleasant and useful passages : here they are. — Edward Newman] .
Lying down of Cattle, fyc. — " The most common occurrences, and such as are
brought under our eyes every day, sometimes escape the notice of inobservant persons.
A farmer, who had lived all his life among stock, was not aware, till I drew his atten-
tion to the fact, that horses and oxen rise from the ground differently. There is a
slight difference in their mode of lying down, the horse not generally remaining so long
upon his knees as the ox, before bringing the rest of his frame to the ground. But in
getting up, the horse invariably rises first upon his fore-legs, before rising upon his
hind. The ox, on the contrary, rises first upon the hind, and often remains upon his
knees some few seconds until his hind legs are straightened. These differences pro-
bably prevail throughout thetwoCuvierian groups of Pachydermata and Ruminantia,
to which the horse and ox respectively belong. The elephant and rhinoceros both
rise first upon their fore-legs, like the horse ; so does the pig : the sheep, goat, and
deer, in this respect, are like the ox." — p. 49.
* London : Van Voorst, 1846.
Jenyns1 Natural History. 1851
Action of Quadrupeds in walking, fyc. — " Thehovse, in trotting or walking1, lifts
his feet off the ground in a certain order : first he raises the off fore, then the near
hind, then the near fore, and lastly the off hind. The appearance, as is well known,
is that of the two legs which are diagonally opposite being raised nearly simultaneously;
but the two on the same side following one another at a moderate interval, the hind
one advancing first. The elephant, as many observers have noticed, appears, in walk-
ing, to move the two legs on the same side at the same time ; and it has occasionally
been thought that the order in which the legs are raised from the ground is different
from that iu the horse. But, upon close watching, it will be seen that this order is in
all cases the same ; the only difference consisting in the length of the intervals be-
tween taking the feet successively up. In the elephant, the interval between raising
each hind-foot and the fore immediately in advance of it is very short, and it becomes
relatively shorter as the pace increases. When the animal walks very slowly, the legs
appear to move just as in the horse ; the interval in the two cases being the same.
The same may be observed in the rhinoceros, though I have had no opportunity of
noticing this animal moving fast, so as to say whether it then resembles the elephant
in the appearance of the legs or not. The giraffe, whether it walks fast or leisurely,
appears to move the two legs on the same side together, as in the elephant. It is ob-
servable, that both the giraffe and the elephant have short bodies (the former
especially) in respect of their height and length of leg. Whether this has anything
to do in lessening the interval above spoken of, I am not prepared to say ; but
I thought I observed, when the rhinoceros was walking slowly, in which animal the
body is rather long in comparison of the legs, that this interval was also longer than
in the horse, as it is shorter in the two animals just mentioned." — p. 49.
Different Taste for Food in Cats. — " Happening, on one occasion, to throw a dead
long-eared bat to a cat, the latter was observed to seize it with the greatest avidity, at
the same time uttering a kind of savage growl (as cats often do when they capture a
favourite prey) ; and presently retiring with it to a corner, soon devoured it entire, not
rejecting even the flying membranes. This was a well-fed, parlour" cat, and appa-
rently not suffering particularly from hunger. On repeating the experiment with
another cat, this last took not the least notice of the bat whatever, though repeatedly
placed in its way. This shows how different individuals of the same species will oc-
casionally differ in respect of food ; and how little importance is to be attached to the
fact of any particular food being selected by an animal in a single instance. Thus I
have seen, in some botanical books, mention made, in the case of certain plants, that
"a horse ate it,'' or " a cow refused it"; when perhaps, on a second trial, another horse
would have refused it, and another cow have eaten it." — p. 54.
Habits of the Hedge-hog* — " Oct. 28th, 1828. — Hedge-hogs are still about, and on
the alert for food. I fell in with one to-day in my walks, in a sheltered part of the
garden, which I was enabled to watch unobserved, and which afforded me an oppor-
tunity of seeing a little into their habits and mode of feeding. It was creeping up
and down a grass walk, apparently in busy search for worms. It carried its snout
very low, insinuating it among the roots of the herbage, and snuffing about under the
dead leaves which lay about. After a time, it commenced scratching at a particular
* Erinaceus europceus, Linn.
1852 Jenyns1 Natural History.
spot, to which it seemed directed by the scent, and drew out a very large worm from
just beneath the surface of the ground. This it immediately began to devour, taking
it into the mouth by one extremity, and gradually eating its way to the other ; an ope-
ration which lasted some time, and was attended by an incessant action of the teeth,
which grated upon one another with a peculiar noise. After the worm was all gone,
as I thought, I was surprised to see the whole put out of the mouth again ; and, from
the appearance of the cast, I was led to believe that it had been only subjected to the
action of the teeth, for the purpose of being bruised, and squeezing out the soft inter-
nal parts of the body, which alone were eaten in the first instance : the skin itself,
however, was shortly retaken into the mouth, and the whole clean devoured.
"From the above observation, it is probable that worms form no inconsiderable part
of the food of the hedge-hog, and that they are enabled to detect them by the smell,
and to extract them from the ground with their snout, after the same manner that the
hog uses his in searching for buried food. In the above instance no attempt was made
to kill the worm before eating it ; but that part of the poor creature which was still out
of the mouth of the hedge-hog kept up a perpetual writhing as the nibbling of its
other extremity proceeded.'' — p. 61.
Voracity of the Common Shrew* — " The extreme voracity of the mole is well
known.f The shrew, which belongs to the same natural group as the mole (the insec-
tivorous Carnivora), would seem to resemble it in this peculiarity, according to a state-
ment furnished to me by my esteemed friend Mr. Selby, of Twizell. He observes in
a letter received February, 1843 : ' What greedy gluttonous animals the shrews ap-
pear to be ! One was caught alive upon the snow here the other day, and brought
into the house, and placed in a glass box : a piece of raw mutton was given
to it, which it attacked with the greatest voracity the moment it smelt it ; and it con-
tinued eating almost without intermission till it had devoured the whole of it. The
piece, I should think, could not have weighed less than half or three quarters of an
ounce. When the shrew first seized it, it shook it as a dog does a rat, and then be-
gan to gnaw it with its sharp-pointed grinders on one side of the mouth. It lived for
a couple of days, almost continually eating ; and previous to its death, which was very
sudden, seemed in perfect health.'" — p. 62.
Habits of the Stoat. —"The circumstance of the foumart's occasionally preying
upon eels is well known to the readers of Bewick's ' Quadrupeds,' where there is an in-
stance given of this fact.! Mr. Selby has observed the same predilection for this kind
of food in the case of its congener the stoat. The particulars which he has sent me,
connected with this discovery, are as follows. During the course of a walk, in com-
* Sorex tetragonurus, Herm.
f Mr. Bell, in his ' British Quadrupeds,' quoting from Geoffroy St. Hilaire, says,
* The mole does not exhibit the appetite of hunger as we find it in other animals ; it
amounts in it to a degree of frenzy. The animal, when under its influence, is violently
agitated ; it throws itself on its prey as if maddened with rage ; its gluttony disorders
all its faculties, and nothing seems to stand in the way of its intense voracity."
Mr. Jesse also observes, that, " as soon as the mole is caught and placed in a box,
it will begin to feed with the utmost unconcern." 'Gleanings in Natural History,'
(3rd Ser.) p. 167.
J Eighth edition, page 253.
Jenyns' Natural History. 1853
pany with his brother-in-law, Captain Mitford, R.N., by the margin of a rivulet in
time of severe frost, and when the ground was covered with snow, their attention was
drawn to the trace of an animal, close to the margin of the ice, where an open current
still remained unfrozen from the swiftness of the stream. At this spot the footmarks
were very numerous, and the animal appeared to have been frequently moving to and
fro within a circuit of a few yards. The trace, which was supposed to be that of a
stoat, was followed to a burrow about a quarter of a mile lower down the bank of the
rivulet, the footsteps being accompanied by further marks upon the snow, which were
attributed to the prey it had secured, whatever that might be. The entrance to the
burrow was a little larger than that of a mole-hole. Spades were' immediately pro-
cured, with a view of digging the animal out, if possible, and ascertaining what the
prey was by which the above marks were made. In following the hole, care was
taken to keep a stick constantly in advance to mark the direction of the burrow, the
earth being soft and rather sandy. It was found to penetrate much further and deeper
than was expected ; and it was necessary to dig several yards before any approach
could be made to the animal's retreat. At length some remains were met with,
which appeared to be a mass of fatty decomposing animal matter ; but which, upon
closer examination, proved to be the skin of an eel turned inside out. A little further
on, more of the same substance was observed, as well as the remains of a water-rat, and
the feathers and bones of what seemed to have been a moor-hen* After a few more
spadefulls had been thrown out, they came close upon the animal, which then bolted,
but was almost instantly seized and killed by a terrier in attendance. It proved to be
a male stoat of the largest size, nearly clothed in Us winter or ermine garb ; the cheeks,
shoulders, and ridge of the back alone being interspersed with a few reddish brown
hairs. At the end of the retreat, where the hole was enlarged, the remains of other
eels were found, and among them one quite fresh ; which, judging from the marks
observed upon the snow, as above alluded to, was supposed to have been caught the
preceding night. This it had begun to devour, commencing with the head, and pro-
ceeding to eat downwards, at the same time turning back the skin, probably by the aid
of its fore feet ; and this accounts for what had been observed in respect of the other
skins, which were all, as already stated, turned inside out. How the stoat succeeds in
catching its slippery prey at this inclement season, when the eel, as has been generally
supposed, is inactive, or nearly dormant, is a problem which remains to be solved.''
—p. 64.
Stoat caught by a Cat. — " In one instance a cat seized a more unusual prey. As
we were strolling near the house, we heard the cry of some animal in distress, and, on
going to the spot whence it proceeded, observed a cat crouched in the long grass of a
meadow with some animal in its claws that was struggling for liberty. As we
approached nearer, the cat scampered off, leaving its booty behind, which to our sur-
prise turned out to be a large stoat, that likewise took to its legs as soon as it was re-
leased, not apparently injured. This was to me quite a new fact, that any cat, at least
of the domestic kind, would attack so powerful and fierce an animal as the stoat.
Had it been undisturbed, would it have devoured its prey ; or was the latter merely
seized from that innate propensity to rapine and violence which characterizes the fe-
line race ? That the stoat was conscious of being in stronger hands would appear
* Gallinula chloropus, Lath.
2p
1854 Jenyns' Natural History.
from the cries which it uttered, and from its making no attempt to attack the cat, evi-
dently under the influence of great alarm." — p. 67.
Anecdote of Dogs. — " A lady, living in the neighbourhood of my own village, had
some years back a favourite Scotch terrier, which always accompanied her in her rides,
and which was also in the habit of following the carriage to church every Sunday
morning. One summer the lady and her family were from home several weeks, the
dog being left behind. The latter, however, continued to come to church by itself for
several Sundays in succession, galloping off from the house at the accustomed hour,
so as to arrive at the time of service commencing. After waiting in the church-yard a
short time, it was seen to return quiet and dispirited, home. The distance from the
house to the church is three miles, and beyond that at which the ringing of the bells
could be ordinarily heard. This was probably an instance of the force of habit, as-
sisted by some association of recollections connected with the movements of the house-
hold on that particular day of the week.
" The same lady has communicated to me an anecdote, somewhat similar to the
above, but more extraordinary. This related to a poodle dog belonging to a gentle-
man in Cheshire, which it appears was in the habit of not only going to church, but
remaining quietly in the pew during service, whether his master was there or not.
One Sunday the dam at the head of a lake in that neighbourhood gave way, so that
the whole road was inundated. The congregation in consequence consisted of a very
few, who came from some cottages close by, but nobody attended from the great house.
The clergyman informed the lady, that, whilst reading the Psalms, he saw his friend,
the poodle, come slowly up the aisle, dripping with wet, having swam above a quarter
of a mile to get to church. He went into the usual pew, and remained quietly there
to the end of the service." — p. 70.
Anecdote of a Dog and Cat. — " The above lady has also given me the following
anecdote of a dog and cat. A little Blenheim spaniel of hers once accompanied her to
the house of a relative, where it was taken into the kitchen to be fed : on which occa-
sion two large favourite cats flew at it several times, and scratched it severely. The
spaniel was in the habit of following its mistress in her walks in the garden, and by
degrees it formed a friendship with a young cat of the gardener's, which it tempted
into the house, — first into the hall, and then into the kitchen, — where, on finding one
of the large cats, the spaniel and its ally fell on it together, and without further pro-
vocation beat it well ; they then waited for the other, which they served in the same
manner, and finally drove both cats from the kitchen. The two friends continued af-
terwards to eat off the same plate as long as the spaniel remained with her mistress in
the house." — p. 71.
Black variety of the Water-Vole. — " We have an animal frequenting the fen-ditches
of Cambridgeshire, and not very unfrequent, which the people sometimes call the
' water-mole.' This is nothing more than a black variety of the common water-rat,
the fur of which is sometimes of as deep and velvety a hue as in the mole ; but every
gradation of tint may be found in different individuals between this uniform rich
black and the reddish brown which more ordinarily prevails. There is no other dif-
ference whatever, besides colour, between these two kinds of water-rats, though the
black has been considered by some as a distinct species.*
* See Macgillivray in Wern. Mem., vol. vi. p. 429.
Jenyns' Natural History, 1855
" On the 15th of June, 1830, I had a very large female of the black sort brought
to me, which had been killed in the next village : it was gravid at the time, and, on
opening it, I found eight young within, perfectly formed, and apparently quite ready
for exclusion.*
" I once at Ely found a small specimen of this black variety, measuring not quite
five inches from the nose to the root of the tail, lying dead on the ground beneath the
nest of a white owl. Like shrews, which are also often found at the foot of their nests,
along with their casts, this rat appeared to have been caught and brought home by
the parent owls to their young, but afterwards rejected." — p. 76.
Malformation in Rabbits' Teeth. — " Instances of the wild rabbit have occasionally
been met with at Bottisham, in which the fore-teeth had grown to so great a length as
to be rendered wholly unfit for the purposes they are intended to serve. This malfor-
mation is the result of the cutting edges of these teeth not being sufficiently worn down
by use, or to the degree that they are in healthy individuals, and to supply which loss
the teeth themselves are provided with the power of growth. But the original cause of
the evil may vary in different cases. Thus, it may be due to one pair of incisors, or
one single incisor, being broken, or having fallen out ; to too soft food ; to a morbid
and too rapid secretion of the osseous matter of the tooth, which is constantly being
deposited at its root ; or to some slight derangement of the under-jaw, such as, for in-
stance, a dislocation of one of its condyles, whereby the incisors of that jaw would be
thrown out of their proper position, and their cutting edges could not be brought
fairly into contact with those of the opposite pair. In all these cases, either the attri-
tion of the teeth would be checked altogether, or their growth would be over-propor-
tioned to their abrasion by the acts of gnawing and feeding, and a preternatural elon-
gation of that part which is above the gums would immediately take place. It is ob-
vious that this diseased growth will be more or less rapid according to the degree of
influence exerted by the predisposing cause, and the length of time it has operated.
Perhaps, in thte first stage of the malady, its progress may be very gradual, and not
much interfere with the usual habits of the animal; but the teeth having once
attained such a length, that, under any circumstances, their edges cannot be brought
to act upon each other, their growth must be much more rapid, and ultimately prove
such an inconvenience as must often terminate in the starvation of the sufferer.
" In one rabbit, preserved in the Museum of the Cambridge Philosophical Society,
the lower pair of incisors are so prodigiously developed as to turn completely over the
nose, and to measure in length, from the surface of the gum to their cutting edges, no
less than two inches and one-eighth ; their usual length in ordinary individuals being
only a quarter of an inch. In another rabbit, that occurred in this neighbourhood,
but which was not preserved, both pairs of incisors had very much exceeded their usual
length, there being also a great irregularity in their mode of growth. The lower pair,
when viewed together, assumed the shape and appearance of the letter V, diverging
from one another at the surface of the gum, and extending in opposite directions, to
the length of nearly an inch and a half : the degree of divergency observed in the
* Mr. Jesse's " sort of mole, which partook very much of the appearance of a rat,"
is no doubt referrible to this black variety of the water-vole. See 'Gleanings,'
&c. (2nd Ser.) p. 27.
1856 Jenynsy Natural History,
upper pair was nearly as great as this in the lower, and their length about the same, but
their curvature very much greater, as indeed would necessarily result from the greater
bend of that portion of the jaws in which these incisors are formed. In this instance,
the portion without the gums had completed three parts of an exact circle, and their
cuttinjg edges were in close contact with the roof of the mouth.
" Both the above rabbits, when taken, exhibited the appearance of having been
nearly starved to death, through an inability of procuring their usual food. In the
first case, life had been sustained solely by the small quantity of herbage which the
animal was enabled to crop with its lips at the sides of the mouth, which appeared to
have been used for that purpose. In the second instance, even this method of feed-
ing could scarcely have been resorted to with success ; the rabbit being actually un-
able to close its mouth, from the pressure of the lower portion of the curve, formed by
the upper incisors, upon the surface of the tongue." * — p. 78.
Note of the Pheasant. — " The common pheasant, as is well known, betrays the
place of his repose by his reiterated crowing. The cock bird, for the hen appears to
be nearly mute on these occasions, springs from the ground on to the tree selected
for roosting, with a harsh scream that continues unremitted till he has assumed his
perch ; it is then softened into a more harmonious crow, consisting of two or in some
cases three notes, which are repeated at intervals for a considerable time. Besides this
cry, which is heard to a considerable distance, there is a weak inward noise immediately
following, which sounds exactly like an echo of the first, consisting of the same notes,
only in a different key, and uttered very softly. To hear this distinctly, it is necessary
for the observer to be almost immediately under the tree on which the pheasant is
perched. Some individuals crow in a much shriller key altogether than others : such,
perhaps, are the young cocks of the year." — p. 100.
Equal distribution of Birds. — " There is, in this neighbourhood, an annual de-
struction of rooks and sparrows to a great extent every year ; yet I observe, as others
have observed before in similar cases,f that no apparent diminution of their numbers
takes place. The rookery at Bottisham Hall is very large, and has existed from time
immemorial ; it appears to be the head-quarters, whence many small colonies, which
are now established wherever there are a few tall trees in the surrounding neighbour-
hood, originally emanated. And to these head-quarters the inhabitants of the small
scattered colonies appear to return in winter, flocking with the general mass, till the
approach of the breeding season. The number of young birds in this rookery, either
shot, or taken unfledged from the nest, has amounted in some years to nearly a hun-
dred dozens ; to say nothing of the old birds which are occasionally destroyed at all
seasons of the year. Yet I feel satisfied that the general aggregate of the nests in
spring, as also of the individuals forming the immense flocks we see in autumn, is
much the same as it was thirty years back. So too with the sparrows, which abound
in such multitudes, to the great annoyance of the farmer ; they are not, to my think-
ing, more or less abundant than they were formerly, though here, as in other places,
the parish officers give rewards for their destruction every year.
" My idea in regard of this matter is, that species, which, like the rook and sparrow,
* The above was first published in ' Loudon's Magazine of Natural History,'
vol. ii. 1829, p. 134, with some further details and remarks here omitted,
f See ' Journal of a Naturalist ' (3rd. edition), p. 183.
Jenyns1 Natural History, 1857
are generally dispersed over the kingdom, have a tendency to equalize their numbers
throughout the different parts of it ; deficiencies from accident, or any other cause, in
one locality, being made up by supplies from another, in which there happens to be an
excess. It seems also not improbable, that, without a diminution of numbers in any
one place to induce strangers to settle there, the numbers in another are not allowed to
increase beyond a certain limit, in consequence of the law which impels old birds to
drive away their offspring, as soon as they are sufficiently matured to shift for them-
selves. If there be convenient space for them in the neighbourhood, without interfer-
ing with the old birds, they may be suffered to remain ; but otherwise they are forced
to go elsewhere ; and if there is no colony near, allowing of increase, to which they
can attach themselves, they found a new colony, wherever circumstances may be fa-
vourable to their so doing. In some instances, they may have to traverse long dis-
tances before they can effect this object ; or they may be compelled to leave the coun-
try altogether, and resort to another; and perhaps this supposition may serve to
explain the circumstance of their sudden appearance in some localities, where they had
not been previously observed.* The well-known fact, too, of old birds driving away
their yourfg may, in the case of certain rare species, account for their being young or
immature individuals, which alone occur, perhaps, at irregular intervals, in a given
country. These individuals are such as have wandered to near the extreme geogra-
phical limits assigned to their species. If, from a general excess of numbers in other
places, they are compelled to travel so far from central quarters as to overstep these
limits, existence is with difficulty maintained, or may be no longer possible. They
then perish ; and it may be in this way that the numbers of some species are constantly
held in check, or at least reduced, in certain seasons, when particular circumstances
have led to an undue increase." — p. 107.
Anecdote of a Tame Barn Owl. — " White has mentioned a tame brown owl, with
which he was acquainted/)- A friend of mine has sent me the following particulars
respecting a tame white one, which was taken, when young, from a nest in the woods
at Dilstone, near Hexham in Northumberland, and given by a lady to her children,
who brought it up. Great pains appear to have been taken to domesticate this owl, in
consequence of which it became very familiar. In imitation of its own call, it re-
ceived the name of Keevie, to which it would readily answer when within hearing, fol-
lowing the sound from whatever part of the premises it might happen to be in. Its
usual place of repose during the day was under the branches of an old Scotch fir, which
grew down a steep inaccessible bank, where it would sit apparently asleep, but suffi-
ciently awake to endeavour to attract the notice of any one who passed, by its usual
cry of keevie, keevie. If the passenger stopped and answered it, it immediately scram-
bled up the boughs of the fir, till it brought itself to a level with the walk above, in
hopes of being fed ; but if he went on again, unheeding its solicitations, it returned
* An instance of this kind is mentioned in the volume of f Reports on the Progress
of Zoology and Botany,' lately published by the Eay Society. " In April, 1838, a
flight of rooks " is said to have " entered into the city of Danzig, and settling upon
all the larger trees, in gardens as well as in the most crowded streets, built their nests
there and brooded." — Prof. Wagner's Report on Birds, p. 71.
Lett. XI. to Pennant.
1858 Jenyns' Natural History.
to its former place, and resumed its slumbers. One of the most striking peculiarities
in this tame owl is said to have been its fondness for music. It would often come in-
to the drawing-room of an evening, on the shoulder of one of the children, and, on
hearing the tones of the piano, would sit with its eyes gravely fixed on the instrument,
and its head on one side in an attitude of attention ; when, suddenly spreading his
wings, he would alight on the keys, and making a dart at the performer's fingers with
its beak, would continue hopping about, as if pleased with the execution.
" After a while the flights of this owl into the woods became longer, and he only
returned at dusk to receive his usual supper from the person who was in the habit of
feeding him, and whom he readily permitted at such times to take him up, and carry
him into the house for this purpose. Bye-and-bye it was observed that he did not de-
vour his meal in the kitchen as formerly, but fled along the passage, dragging the
meat after him, till he reached the garden-door, when he flew with it to a part of the
shrubbery: on being followed, it was discovered that he had brought with him a com-
panion, who, not having courage to accompany him the whole way, remained at
a respectful distance to receive his bounty. After having served his visitor in this
manner, he returned to the kitchen, and leisurely devoured his own portion. This
practice was continued for some months, till at length one evening he was missed, and
nowhere to be found : his companion, it is said, continued to visit the spot alone for
several weeks uttering doleful cries, but could never be persuaded to come nearer to be
fed. It proved, in the end, that the favourite had been killed ; and its stuffed skin
was one day recognized, alas ! in a woodman's hut, by the children who had so as-
siduously nurtured it and brought it up." — p. 122.
Anecdote of a Redbreast.* — A lady has furnished me with the following striking
instance of maternal affection in a redbreast, that had built in some ivy against a wall
in a garden at Whitburn, near Sunderland, in April, 1839. The bird was sitting
upon four eggs, when the gardener one day trimmed the ivy so close with his shears
as almost to destroy the nest ; in consequence of which the eggs were precipitated to
the ground. They lay there till observed by the lady shortly afterwards, who was at-
tracted to the spot by the plaintive cries of the parent bird. It was at first thought
that to restore them to the nest would prove useless. The attempt, however, was
made ; the eggs, which were nearly cold, were picked up, and placed back again in
the nest, after it had been repaired and put together again as well as was possible.
They had not been returned to their former situation five minutes, when the bird came,
and again took charge of them, and in two days they were hatched ; the infant brood
being from that time, of course, objects of daily interest and observation. Great was
the dismay of the lady, some days afterwards, at finding all the little ones upon
the ground, stiff and cold, having fallen through a fracture in the patched nest, which
was not sufficiently strong to keep together. She took them up, and perceiving a
slight movement in one of them, carried them into the house, where, partly by the
warmth of the hand, and partly by the influence of a fire to which they were held, they
all gradually recovered. They were then again placed in the nest, which was further
patched with a piece of drugget, fastened into the fracture through which they had
fallen. They were doomed, however, to go through more trials; for it happened,
Erithaca rubecula, Swains.
Jenyns' Natural History. 1859
some nights after, there was a heavy rain, which so completely soaked the nest, and
the drugget which had been placed in it as a lining, that the young ones were found
the following morning almost drowned, and to appearance lifeless. They were again
brought to the fire, and thoroughly dried ; after which they were placed in the empty
nest of another bird that was substituted for the old one, and fixed in a currant-bush,
a few yards from the wall where the ivy was. The young ones, which were half-
fledged when they got this wetting, still continued to receive the attentions of their pa-
rents, and in due time they were all safely reared, and flew away. It is stated, that it
was very curious to observe the familiarity of the old birds during the whole course of
these proceedings : they always sat close by, and never seemed the least alarmed at
the liberties taken with their progeny.*' — p. 127.
Rooks suck Birds Eggs. — " May 12th, 1828. — Eooks undoubtedly suck partridges'
eggs occasionally, since the keeper at Bottisham, who found that havoc had been made
in that way by some vermin or other, lately set some traps near the nests and caught
several.
"June 24th. — The men who are engaged in mowing the hay and clover, state that
the rooks follow their movements, and fall-to upon any nests which are exposed by
the scythe, devouring the eggs without mercy, and carrying others away in their bills,
— not sparing even those of the skylark. This singular fact, which they say they never
observed in former seasons, seems to be a new circumstance in the history of the rook,
and confirms what was recorded last month." — p. 147.
Food of Rooks in Winter. — " Dec. 30th, 1829. — Feeling some desire to know how
rooks support themselves during severe frost, like that we have now experienced for
this fortnight back, I caused one of these birds to be shot and brought to me. It ap-
pears that they manage to subsist well, notwithstanding the cold weather ; for, on
opening the body, we were surprised to find it in most excellent condition, with the
stomach, intestines, and other abdominal viscera, completely covered with layers of fat.
The stomach itself was unusually distended, and projected externally below the ex-
tremity of the breast-bone like a large egg. The contents proved to be turnip and
wheat, mixed with a few gravels. The turnip was in a semi-digested state, but easily
identified by the smell : the grains of wheat were whole, and scarcely at all altered.
The stomach was completely full of this mixed food, and stuffed as tight as a
pin-cushion.'' — p. 148.
Singular habit of the House Martin. — " Sept. 3rd, 1829. — House martins have a
singular practice throughout the breeding season, and more particularly towards the
latter part of it, of flying up against the walls of buildings, just below the eaves, and
daubing them with mud, apparently without any intention of constructing a nest.
Perhaps they do not go twice to the same spot : at any rate, these patches of dirt are
not applied with any regularity, but may be seen sticking to the brickwork, at intervals
of two or more inches all along the front of the building. Just at the present time,
my own house has a line of these mud patches carried round nearly three sides of it.
I fancy I notice, that the birds are more inclined to this sort of proceeding in some
states of weather than others. Occasionally, twenty or thirty martins will be busily
engaged in this manner from morning till night, when perhaps, for several days be-
fore and after, not one is to be noticed. A damp, cloudy day, especially if also warm,
seems to call them most to this employment, during which they appear actuated by
some feeling or excitement which it is difficult to explain. It is surely something
more than an instance of their " caprice in fixing on a nesting-place " (alluded to by
1860 Jenyns Natural History.
White*), which induces them to " begin many edifices, and leave them unfinished.
In the present instance, I suspect they may be the first broods but lately fledged ,
whose instinct begins to operate and show itself in this manner before it is wanted."
—p. 161.
Singular Anecdote of a Ring-Dove.—" A singular circumstance occurred to my
nephew one day last July (1845). As he was walking in the fir-plantations at Bot-
tisham Hall, a ring-dove fell suddenly to the ground a short distance from him, as if
wounded. On going up to it and securing it, he found it swarming with individuals
of some species of fly, which, by his description, I have no doubt was a species
of Ornithomyia, and which appear to have collected upon the bird in such numbers as
quite to overpower it. It was a young bird of the year, but fully fledged, and had not
fallen from any nest; neither did it appear to have sustained any injury in other
ways." — p. 165.
The Collared or African Turtle.f—" The unfledged young of all the pigeon tribe
are fed, as is well known, from the macerated contents of the crop of the parent birds,
mixed with a curdy secretion of the crop itself. I am often much amused in watching
the way in which this is effected in the instance of the collared or African turtle, of
which I have several individuals in confinement. The old bird opening its beak to
the full extent, the young plunges its own almost, as it were, down the throat of its
parent, whose efforts to regurgitate the required food into the mouth of its offspring
are distinctly visible. But what particularly takes my attention is the persevering and
often fruitless endeavour made by the young to induce the parent to open its mouth
for this purpose. This is especially the case when the young are now nearly
fully fledged, and partially able to feed themselves ; and when, perhaps, the usual se-
cretions of the parent's crop are beginning to fail. Under such circumstances, they
will often chase the old birds round the cage, and again and again present themselves
before their face, as often as they turn away from their solicitations : at the same time
they keep up a continual flapping with their wings, utter a plaintive whining note, and
peck at the sides of their parents' bill, trying every stratagem to make them yield to
their entreaties. The old birds, however, as if conscious that there was no supply, or
that it was no longer needed, obstinately refuse to pay any regard to the demands
made upon them ; or they are not prevailed upon till after a long time, and till wearied,
as it were, with the perpetual teazings of their offspring. The difficulty experienced
by this last in effecting its object is greater as it advances to the age at which it is
capable of taking care of itself. Probably the secretion in the parent's crop is de-
pendent upon a certain degree of excitement caused by maternal affection ; and, after
a time, when this excitement wears off, by reason of the increasing age of the young
bird, it is with difficulty elaborated. At length it ceases altogether ; yet the habit of
the young coming to its parent to be fed is kept up for a while, in like manner as we
see nearly full-grown kittens and puppies still occasionally pulling at their mother's
teats after they are dry. The scene above described may, at any time, be witnessed by
throwing down a little hemp-seed into the cage where the parent and young birds are,
when, as soon as ever the former begin to feed, the latter will be immediately at them
importuning for a share." — p. 168.
* Nat. Hist, of Selborne, Lett. XVI. to D. Barrington.
f C. risoria, Auct.
Insects. 1861
Anecdote of a Pheasant. — " The cock pheasant sometimes exhibits marks of great
daring and fierceness, even attacking man. I was once staying with a friend, who had
a bird of this character in the plantations near his house, which was accustomed to
make frequent sallies upon persons passing near the place of its resort. I saw it my-
self fly boldly at the proprietor of the grounds, who purposely approached the spot, in
order that I might witness the extent of its courage and ferocity ; — it commenced peck-
ing his legs, and striking with its wings, pursuing him for a considerable distance
down one of the walks. He said that he generally carried a stick to beat it off, when-
ever he went that way. Some wood-cutters, who were at work close by, were in the
habit of protecting their legs with strong leather gaiters from the attacks of this bird,
which was constantly interrupting and annoying them in this manner." — p. 172.
Notes on the Diurnal Lepidoptera of East Lothian. — I procured a specimen of
Melitaea Selene in July, 1845, by the banks of Neinraw burn, in this parish ; Kilmun,
in Argyleshire, is the only other Scotch locality yet known.
In the cold and cheerless month of October, 1838, I first obtained a specimen of
Vanessa Atalanta, but I did not observe another until last September, when this fine
insect appeared in great numbers in many neighbouring localities.
Through the great kindness of my friends, Mr. E. Greville, and especially of Mr.
R. F. Logan, of Duddingstone, I have been enabled to arrange my collection of these
insects, and the system of numbering each specimen when captured, has enabled me
to draw up the following notes, which, I trust, may prove useful in extending the
knowledge of the distribution of these insects in Scotland, where the cultivation of
entomology is certainly at a very low ebb, and this neglect arises partly from the lack
of illustrated works in our public libraries, and partly from the lamentable deficiency
of our museums. It was only very lately that I became acquainted with students of
this order, and under these circumstances, there was no other interest attachable to
each specimen apart from the note of its capture and the fact of its being an addition
to the fauna of our district, and there was no inducement to collect with assiduity ;
hence my supply of duplicates is very poor.
As Mr. Logan has kindly revised the accompanying list, there will be fewer errors
to correct, and the interest of the same will be greatly enhanced : —
Euclidia mi. Pretty common every year in the glen of the Whittingham
water, near the Cairnhill : a notable day-flier, pretty common ; Pressmenan Copse,
June, 1847.
Euclidia glyphica. Pretty common every season in June near the Cairnhill : an
active day-flier; new to Scotland.
Xylophasia combusta. Not uncommon : Pressmenan Copse, July, 1843 ; new to
Scotland.
Eupithecia subfuscata. Rare: garden and neighbouring hedgerows; August,
1842.
Xanthosetia ferrugana. Abundant: Pressmenan Copse, July, 1843; new to
Scotland.
Xanthosetia hamana. One specimen: near Whittingham Castle, June, 1846.
Celana Haworthii. Very rare: about thistles ; Traprain Law, August, 1842.
v 2q
1862 Insects.
Eudorea murana. Not common : near the Caidon Hill, June, 1844.
Eudorea lineola. Very rare: one specimen ; on a window, June, 1846.
Euthalia elutala. A very singular variety, mayhap a new species, which shall
shortly be sent to Mr. Doubleday, of Epping; at sugar in the garden, July, 1844.
The only Geometrina I ever took at sugar.
Graphiphora pyrophila. One specimen, in a bedroom here ; June, 1846.
Cnephasia octo-maculana. Pretty common: garden, July, 1846.
Polia chi. Rare : garden, and near Haddington, July and September, 1846.
Cleora Lichenaria. Rare : garden, and near Dunbar, June, 1846.
Mormo maura. Rare : on a window, August, 1845.
Charceas graminis. Rare : Traprain Law, August, 1842.
Ptychopoda immutata. Pretty common : garden, and neighbouring hedgerows,
August, 1842 ; new to Scotland.
Orgyiaantiqua. One specimen, on a window, September, 1846.
Lophoderus ministranus. Abundant Pressmenan Copse, July, 1842, and June,
1847.
On being informed by Mr. Logan, that Graphiphora pyrophila was a great prize,
and having ascertained that the noble British Museum possessed no native specimen,
I presented it forthwith, having no wish under these circumstances to see such a rarity
in my poor collection. Had not the collection of insects in the Edinburgh College
Museum been completely closed against all students, the specimen should never have crossed
the Tweed.
I may possibly have erred in stating that several insects in the above list are new
to Scotland ; I beg that any^such error may be imputed to my want of access to good
libraries, and not to any mean desire to rob Mr. Weaver, of Birmingham, or any other
observer, of the credit of having previously noted the existence of any specimen. —
Archibald Hepburn; Whittingham, June, 1847.
Occurrence of Colias Edusa and Hyale. — Knowing that you feel interested in
everything relating to the annual appearance of our two British species of Colias, I
am induced to send you a line on the subject. I must first say that so many years
have elapsed since I paid any attention to entomology, that I know not whether the
insects are earlier than usual this season. On July 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st, I saw
fine fresh specimens of Edusa, and on July 28th and August 1st a good clear Hyale ;
daily since I have seen many specimens. If you would like to know what number
make their appearance here, or any other particulars, I shall feel much pleasure in sup-
plying you with the information. — Edmund Thomas Hig gins ; Lyme Regis, August
9th, 1847.
Barren Females of Acherontia Atropos. — Last summer I had several larvae of Ache-
rontia Atropos. The pupae, with one exception, produced the perfect insects in a few
weeks, and all the females were barren. A few days since the last moth came out, and
is a fine female ; I opened the abdomen, and it contained no trace of eggs. I mention
this, knowing that some persons imagine that pupae which live through the winter pro-
duce fertile females. This, however, is not always the case, as is proved by this spe-
cimen, which remained rather more than twelve months in the pupa state. I may
just say that the females of Aplecta occulta raised from the egg were barren. —
Henry Doubleday ; Epping, August 6th, 1847.
Acherontia Atropos. — From six larvae of this insect, I have reared only three good
specimens, one having died in the chrysalis state ; and two, unable from some cause
Insects. 1863
to emerge, though well formed, I stripped off the dry shell, after which they died. I
have stated (Zool. 1508) they all went into the mould about the end of July, 1846 ;
one came out on October 11th. In November I took the others out of the mould, and
put them into cigar boxes, lined with flannel or strips of list, and net over the front,
placing the naked chrysalides on flannel at the bottom ; these I hung up by one end,
in a room occupied daily, where they remained till the warmer weather of spring
came on, when they were removed to another room. On the 7th of the present month
(July) one came out and crept up the list, where its wings freely expanded, and it be-
came a beautiful insect. It was then placed alive in a larger box, when between eight
and nine in the evening of the second day, it was heard fluttering about. Alarmed for
the safety of my specimen, I immediately obtained a light, and on opening the box, it
flew about the room ; it exerted itself with considerable strength when caught, utter-
ing sharply its peculiar cry ; but as soon as possible I fixed the insect, and killed it,
by holding its head in the steam from a boiling tea-kettle, first pinning it to a strip of
wood to hold by. This is the quickest method I know, and it kills them without in-
jury. The other came out during last night, the 25th instant. Both these insects,
while in the chrysalis state, would frequently turn about in the box, and by breathing
on them a few times, they would show, by moving, that they were alive. — T. Goatley ;
Chipping Norton, July 26th, 1847.
Capture of Deilephila Celerio at Brantingham Thorp. — On a recent visit to the
garden of Captain Shaw, of Brantingham Thorp, near this place, Mr. Kingston, the
head gardener, presented me with a fine specimen of the rare Deilephila Celerio, which
was captured last summer in rather a singular manner on a plant of Physianthus albi-
cans (albens), together with two specimens of Sphinx Convolvuli ; some peculiar con-
struction of the flower having closed upon the long proboscis, and so held them prison-
ers, where they were found fluttering about, but unable to escape. The plant was
growing in the greenhouse, the doors of which were left open. Mr. Kingston told me
that a great many other insects were caught on the same plant in the same singular
manner. — G. Norman ; Hull, July 8th, 1847.
Occurrence of the true Cerura bicuspis in Britain. — A male specimen of a Cerura,
new to Britain, was captured near Preston by Mr. James Cooper, a most ardent and
indefatigable entomologist, and to whose unwearied exertions we are likewise indebted
for considerable additions to our knowledge of the nidification, &c. of our British
birds. The insect in question was found upon an alder, having just emerged from its
cocoon : there is little doubt of its being the genuine bicuspis of Hubner ; the spe-
cimens hitherto so-called in this country being merely furcula i from this species it is
totally distinct. Mr. Cooper most kindly presented this fine species to me. — Henry
Doubleday ; Epping, August 6th, 1847.
Capture of a new Psyche. — Mr. Ingall has captured a small Psyche with beauti-
fully mottled wings : it is very different from the known British species, but in some
degree resembles Psyche undulella of the continent: it is proposed to call the new
species Psyche retiella. — Edward Neivman.
Capture of Euchromia ericetana in the Isle of Wight. — I met with a specimen of
this species on the 15th of July last at Shanklin, Isle of Wight ; as I had only seen
one specimen before, which I formerly named ericetana, I was desirous, if possible, of
getting more specimens: on the 17th I succeeded in taking several, some in copula,
and am now certain that this species is distinct from E. purpurana. — W. Bentley ;
3, Critchell Place, August 10th, 1847.
1864 Insects,
Argyrotoza eeneana. — This insect has been taken in profusion near the Willesden
Station, on the London and North- Western Railway, in company with Tortrix
Viburnana. — Edward Newman.
Bees destroyed by the Tulip. — The Rev. L. Jenyns, in his ' Observations on Natural
History,' has noticed the fatal effects produced on bees by the blossom of the dahlia.
The tulip appears to be equally noxious to these industrious insects ; for should an
unlucky bee chance to enter the cup of a tulip, it rarely, if ever, succeeds in getting
out again, but struggles about in its prison for a short time, and then falls exhausted
and dies, at the bottom of the flower. This is a fact well known to tulip fanciers, but
it has not, I believe, been published as worthy of notice. — Robert Cooper Douglas ;
Wolverhampton, July 12th, 1847.
Stvarming of Bees. — The following paragraph is extracted from the ' Cumberland
Pacquet' for Tuesday, July 19th, 1847:— "Mr. Robert Longmire, of Troutbeck
Bridge, near Ambleside, had no less than three hives of bees which swarmed on Sun-
day week, all of which knit in an apple-tree, and were safely secured in one large hive.
On the next day a fourth hive swarmed, and the bees took possession of the same hive
in which the three swarms of the preceding day are domiciled, all of which are evi-
dently upon the best possible terms, and work contentedly and well together." — E. J.
R. Hughes ; Catharine Street, Whitehaven, July \9th, 1847.
Captures of Hymenoptera and Coleoptera near Gravesend. — The following captures
are, I think, worthy of record, as they will point out to the entomologist a locality for
two or three very local insects.
Apion Limonii, on Statice Limonium, growing on the banks of the Thames, about
a mile and a half below Gravesend ; found about the end of June and during July.
I have captured twenty-two specimens. Mr. Walton took this insect in abundance in
1841 at Holme-juxta-mare, on the coast of Norfolk, and Mr. Ingall, I think, took a
solitary specimen last year in the Isle of Sheppey.
Polydrusus sericeus. Of this very local species I captured a fine series in the
month of June, by sweeping the grass, &c. close to the water-side, in the same situa-
tion as Apion Limonii.
Smiera melanaris, Dalm. (Smiera Macleanii of Curtis). This insect is generally
known as the supposed Chalcis sispes of Fabricius, which, however, is distinguished by
having the petiole of the abdomen yellow : the Smiera sispes, or true " Sphex sispes "
of Linnaeus is rather larger than our species, and has red posterior femora. I captured
both sexes of S. melanaris, the male not being previously known, as far as I can learn;
it agrees with the female in colouring, &c. exactly. I took twenty-one specimens by
sweeping the reeds and rushes that grow in the ditch which runs parallel with the
footpath. Latreille says that these insects infest the Stratiomydse, which are aquatic
in the larva state ; various species of Stratiomys abound in the above locality. S. me-
lanaris is the species of which Mr. Ingall took three or four specimens in the Isle of
Sheppey. S. sispes is very abundant.
I also met with several other scarce insects, as Amalus scortillum, Pachyrhinus
canaliculars and P. leucogaster, Erirhinus Festucse, Donacia nigra, &c, also a few
specimens of, I think, a new species of Bagous. — Frederick Smith ; 5, High Street,
Newington.
Capture of Coccinella labilis in Britain. — A specimen of this beautiful insect was
taken by myself at Leominster, some years since, and placed with C. septem-punctata
in the cabinet of the Entomological Club, where it has remained unnoticed, until Dr.
Insects. 1865
Sehaum, who is now in London, obligingly called my attention to its specific charac-
ters : I hope to publish a detailed description in the September ' Zoologist.' — Edward
Newman.
Remarks on three New British Coccinellida:, together with Descriptions of two of them.
Coccinella labilis. Mulsant, Col. de France, iv. Coc. 7-punctata, Var. rj. Steph.
Illust. (Mand.) iv. 380. — Length 3| to 4i lines: black: head with two irregu-
lar cream-coloured blotches between the eyes, and a small streak of the same below
them : thorax with a large cream-coloured patch on each anterior angle: elytra red,
the two combined, with seven black spots, placed one basal and common, one very
large on each elytron on the back near the suture, a small one towards the middle of,
and near the outer margin, and a large one near the apex. Beneath with four large
white spots,placed one on each anterior angle of the mesostemum, and one at each
posterior angle of the metasternum, the latter spot united to a white space at the base
of the abdomen. The anterior edge of the thorax is sometimes whitish ; and the ely-
tra have occasionally a small additional black dot on the shoulder. The two first
coxae have sometimes each a white spot in front. — Upon hunting over my various col-
lections (containing Coccinellidae), as I am forming some twenty-five or thirty illustra-
tive ones, exemplifying metamorphoses, history, &c. of the useful or destructive insects,
I have mustered up seven examples of the new British Coccinella, C. labilis, but which
does not appear to me identical with the C. magnifica of Zeigler, — Redtenbacher, p. 24,
whose specific character is " Nigra, coleoptris totis rufis, maculis quinque magnis nigris:
prima scutellari communi, subrotunda, secunda in medio cujusvis elytri juxta sutu-
ram transversa, tertia subrotunda ante apicem.'' By which it would appear that
there are only five spots on both elytra combined ; whereas our insect has seven. In
his description of C. 7-punctata, he says, " Coleoptris rufis, angulo scutellari flavo
punctisque quinque nigris: primo scutellari communi subrotundo, duobus intra
marginem cujusvis elytri et duobus in medio utrinque juxta suturam, humerali
nullo." The spots, therefore, on Redtenbacher's magnifica and his 7-punctata must
differ in number, whereas in labilis and 7-punctata they. agree ; the white spots on the
breast seem to point out a good character for identifying the new species. T
think there are two or three specimens in the British Museum collection, placed there
by myself in 1816, when I arranged my own Coccinellida; and the Museum collection
to correspond, thirty-one years since. This insect is said to occur on the common
asparagus.
Scymnus flavipes, Illig. Col. Bor. i. 413. — Somewhat hemispherical: shining black,
with the mouth, antenna;, and legs, entirely luteous-red. (Length 1 line). Of
this species, hitherto unrecorded as British, I have detected several examples in ray
collection, taken by myself near London.
Scymnus minimus.— A few days since I observed the leaves of an almond-tree in
my garden to be perforated thickly by the attack of some insect, and upon looking over
them I found them swarming (if the term may be allowed) with the pupae of this
species, of which I have reared many specimens. The debris of a minute coccus ap-
pears upon the leaves.
Plan for an Entomological Journal. — The circumstance of my examples of Coc-
cinella labilis and Scymnus flavipes not having any tickets of locality attached, induces
me to call attention to a simple method of keeping a journal of captures and additions
1866 Insects.
to a cabinet, which may readily be commenced and carried out by the merest tyro in
the science. Most of the journals hitherto proposed pre-suppose the journalist to
possess a slight knowledge of entomology ; but the plan I suggest is unencumbered
with any such supposition ; and has the additional advantage of enabling the possessor
instantly to refer to the capture, &c. of every individual example in his collection at any
future period, notwithstanding the same may have been removed upon re-arranging
" many a time and oft ; '' and a small book of a few leaves will serve for many years.
Not so a journal of names ; such a one I commenced in 1810, and have carried on to
the present time, 1847 ! — very irregularly, in pafts, it must be confessed, owing to the
enormous quantity of entries, sometimes more than 3000 in a month ! — till the num-
ber recorded has extended to between 30,000 and 40,000, a sad expenditure of labour,
and from its extent comparatively useless.
According to the plan proposed, I assume the student takes up his subject in the
beginning of July, and makes his first excursion on the 7th, on which day he captures
some scores, or even hundreds, of specimens. Let him at starting be amply provided
with boxes, to enable him readily to subdivide his captures, which he finds it conve-
nient to do, as instanced, into nine sections, and on removing them from his setting-
boards, then attach a corresponding number to every individual specimen, all taken
from fungi bearing No. 2, and so forth. It then becomes evident on any future in-
spection of his collection, upon observing No. t attached to a specimen and referring
to his journal, that it was obtained at Darenth by general beating on July 7th, 1847,
and so on with the remainder : nay, his very duplicates will all become registered ; as
also his purchases, presents, &c, care being taken not to disturb the tickets. Again,
by employing tinted paper, on which to write the Nos., the year may be subdivided into
seasons : e.g., pale-green for the months of March, April, May ; pink for June, July,
August ; yellow for September, October, November ; and white for the remaining
months.
In addition to the journal, a Remark Book may be kept for the purpose of recording
the habits, &c. of any particular insect, or of any special matters connected with col-
lecting, &c. ; which may be referred to by the original number, bearing in mind that
whenever such particulars are intended to be recorded, the insect inviting such atten-
tion, must alone bear the No., as at No, 13.
Remarks.
By general beating of herbage.
From fungi (abundantly).
„ under flints, in chalk-pit.
By beating the oak.
„ birch.
„ ash (two specimens only).
„ whitethorn.
By sweeping grasses.
Taken flying.
„ from under stones.
Who received it (or them) from Scotland.
„ captured it (or them) at Charlton, on
September 6th, 1840.
No.
Whence, fyc. obtained,
Time.
1
Darenth Wood
July 7, 1847
2
Ditto
»
3
Ditto
>j
4
Ditto
•>■>
5
Ditto
n
6
Ditto
»
7
Ditto
»»
8
Ditto
»>
9
Ditto
?>
10
Greenhithe
8
11
Purchased of A.
B.
*>
12
Received from C
. D.
10
Insects.
1867
No. Whence, #-c. obtained. Time.
13 Dulwich
14 Ditto
15 Ditto
16 Mr. E. Fs. Cabinet
Remarks.
Under bark of oak (One only, see Remark
Book, No. 13).
By sugaring trees (See Remark Book,
No. 14).
On Umbelliferae.
Sold by auction, by G. H .
— /. F. Stephens; Eltham Cottage, August 12th, 1847.
July 13
II
Entomological Captures by Samuel Stevens, Esq.
Pamphila Actaon near Weymouth. — This skipper, which has been so scarce
for the last eight or ten years, I had the pleasure of taking on the 2nd of Au-
gust last in plenty under the Burning Cliff, on the coast of Dorsetshire, between five
and six miles from Weymouth; I found a few on the flowers of the thistle and ragwort,
but most on those of a carex, which grew in clusters close to the beach ; the insect was
exceedingly local, being confined to a space of about one hundred yards. Mr. Dale,
who kindly told me the locality, whilst on a recent visit to his house, has been to Lul-
worth (the original locality for the insect) for the last five years, and twice to this, with-
out success, and it is now twelve years since he found it in plenty. I was a fortnight
or three weeks too late, I regret to say, for I met with very few fine out of one hundred
and thirty that I captured in five hours: those of my friends who are in want of the
species, in fine condition, had better make early application.
Catocala sponsa and promissa in the New Forest. — On the 27th of last July,
on my way to Dorsetshire, I stopped a night at Lyndhurst on purpose to sugar
for the crimsons, and had what I considered excellent sport, taking nineteen tolerably
fine specimens of promissa, but none of sponsa. I naturally thought for this latter
species I must be too soon, so on my way home on the 4th of August I tried my luck
again, and was rewarded by taking twenty of sponsa, mostly fine, and sixteen pro-
missa, some a little wasted, making fifty-five in two nights. It is worth a journey to
the New Forest alone to see two or three of these fine fellows on one tree at the same
time. I missed a fine Triphaena subsequa ; having taken this, last year, at Sherwood
Forest, I am quite clear I was not mistaken.
Various Insects in the Isle of Portland. — On the 3rd of August last I paid a
hasty visit to this island, and was rewarded in three or four hours, with capturing,
amongst other Lepidoptera, —
Harpalyce Galiata. Four, seen in plenty.
Enny chia cingulata. Two, ditto.
Margaritia asinalis. Five. •
Spilonota amamana P Nine, beat out of a creeping briar.
Carpocapsa pupillana. Twenty-one, beat out of the common wormwood, which
abounds all over the island, but I could only find this insect in one spot, under
the rocks.
Eudorea Portlandica. Two, seen in plenty. This may be only a local variety of
mercurella.
1868 Insects.
Phycita bineevella. Two.
Oncocera camella. Nine.
Hipparchia Galathea, and Polyommatus Corydon and Adonis were in great num-
bers, and a few of P. Alsus.
I captured the above under the cliffs, on the south-east side of the island ; there is
great difficulty attending it, owing to the huge masses of stone lying about in all di-
rections it is quite impossible to give chase, but one must content ones-self with catching
what one can as they up from between the rocks. Entomologizing in this island is
the most fatiguing I ever experienced.
On the Chesil Bank, in two hours, under stones, I captured amongst others the
following Coleoptera ; it is the richest locality for Harpalideous insects I think I ever
met with : —
Dromius fasciatus. Six.
Licinus Silphoides. Three.
Harpalus serripes. Two.
„ piger and anxius. In plenty ; and two or three other species.
Actephilus vernalis. Two.
Masoreus luxatus. Forty-four.
Micronyx Jungermannice. One.
Otiorhynchus rugifrons. Six.
Anthicus ater. Eight. And many others more generally distributed.
I regret I had so little time to investigate so rich and interesting a locality as this
island, as I am certain, from its appearance, it would produce many rarities, and no
doubt some novelties. — Samuel Stevens ; King Street, Covent Garden, August, 1847.
Queries respecting Flies. — I wish to bring before the notice of your readers what ap-
pears to me rather a singular fact. The ceiling of the room in which I am now sil-
ting has not, apparently, been whitened for the last three or four years, and it is, in con-
sequence, neither so white nor so level as I take for granted it was when the operation
of whitening it had just been performed. Sundry incipient crackings, one or two ves-
tiges of recreation in the shape of black candle-marks, and other less artificial discolora-
tions, effectually prevent the said ceiling from having anything like a monotonous ap-
pearance. The flies, also, have lent their aid in adorning it, and have left indubitable
marks here and there of their having occupied the premises at no very distant period.
But what I cannot account for, is this. These Jly -stands, as I think we may call them,
almost invariably are situated in those parts of the ceiling where the mortar has be-
gun to crack, so much so, that one or two such localities have very much the appear-
ance of a dingy milky-way. Other parts are comparatively if not altogether free. Can
any of your correspondents tell me whether flies are generally thus discriminative in
their favours, and, if so, can they suggest the reason why ?
Now that I have the pen in hand, let me mention another question, to which I can-
not find a satisfactory answer. How do flies manage to settle upon the ceiling ? How
they keep their position there it is supposed we know, but though I have watched I
cannot ascertain with certainty how they get their position there. They fly, as bees,
Quadrupeds, 1869
wasps, beetles, and butterflies do, with the body nearly horizontal and the legs down-
wards. How then do they so suddenly and unhesitatingly pitch upon the flat roof of a
room with the legs upwards? My notion, though, as I said before, I cannot satisfy
myself of its correctness, is, that they first throw up the two fore legs and fasten them
to the ceiling, much in the same way as we should throw up our arms in order to seize
hold of a rope or horizontal bar above us. Then, I imagine, the body is wheeled up as
on axis, and the other legs come into their proper and final position. Of course, con-
sidering the small size of the insect and the abundant practice he has, such a manoeu-
vre could be easily accomplished with a rapidity that would baffle the scrutiny of any
but the most accurate observers.
I need not apologize, I feel sure, to naturalists, for the apparent minuteness and
triviality of these remarks. Such untrodden footpaths as these more often lead in
Natural History to novel and important truths than the regular beaten highway. — W.
S. Lewis; Trinity College, Cambridge, August Y7th, 1847.
Capture of Cordulia arctica in Scotland. — As enquiry has been made in England,
and on the continent, if I have again met with this insect, I have the gratification of
recording in the pages of the ' Zoologist ' that I took four specimens, one male and
three females, in the Black Forest, in June last. It is the locality in which I captured
the specimen that is in Mr. Dale's cabinet, and till now the only one known as
British. — Richard Weaver ; Kinloch Rannock, July 15th, 1847.
Insect Stratagem. — Yesterday, while walking on the cliffs near Baramouth, I wit-
nessed a most amusing instance of insect stratagem. A grasshopper clinging to the
stem of an Orchis (maculata?) attracting my notice, I stooped down to look at it, the
insect perceiving my movement, adroitly wheeled round to the opposite side ; upon my
moving my head to that quarter it wheeled back, and upon my again moving it,
changed its position, and did so repeatedly ten or eleven times ; I put forth my hand
to capture it, but it eluded my grasp and escaped. — E.J. R. Hughes; Catharine
Street, Whitehaven, June 30th, 1847.
The Monkey and the Castanha Nut. — " Back of the house was a grove of fine trees,
some apparently having been planted for ornament, others bearing profusion of various
sorts of fruits. The one of all these most attractive was that which produces the
Brazil-nut, called in the country castanhas. Botanically it is the Bertholletia excelsa.
This tree was upwards of one hundred feet in height and between two and three in di-
ameter. From the branches were depending the fruits, large as cocoa-nuts. The
shell of these is nearly half an inch in thickness, and contains the triangular nuts so
nicely packed that once removed no skill can replace them. It is no easy matter to
break this tough covering, requiring some instrument and the exercise of considerable
strength : yet we were assured by an intelligent friend at the Barra of the Rio Negro
that the guaribas or howling monkeys are in the habit of breaking them by striking
them upon stones or the limbs of iron-like trees. This friend related an amusing in-
cident of which he had been witness, where the monkey, forgetful of everything else,
pounding down the nut, with might and main, in a fever of excitement struck it with
tremendous force upon the tip of his tail. Down dropped the nut and away flew
monkey, bounding and howling fearfully. How long the victim was laid up by his
lame tail our friend was unable to inform us ; but we thought one thing certain, that
v 2r
1870 Quadrupeds.
monkeys had changed since Goldsmith's day, inasmuch as at that time, as we are in-
formed, the tip of a monkey's tail was so remote from the centre of circulation as to
be destitute of feeling." — ' A Voyage up the Amazon.1
The two supposed British Species of Marten identical. — " There are said to be two
kinds of martens iiere, the pine-marten and the beech-marten ; the former having a
yellow mark on the breast, and the latter a white one. I do not, however, believe that
they are of a distinct species, but consider the variety of shade in the colour of the breast
to be occasioned by difference of age, or to be merely accidental, having frequently
killed them in the same woods with every intermediate shade from yellow to white on
their breasts ; the animals being perfectly alike in every other particular. The oldest-
looking martens had generally a whiter mark than the others, but this rule did not
apply to all." — ' Wild Sports in the Highlands,' p. 107.
Discrepancy in the Colour of Seals. — " Scarcely any two seals are exactly of the
same colour, or marked quite alike, and seals frequenting a particular part of the
coast become easily known and distinguished from each other." — Id. p. 226.
Supposed New British Seal. — The specimen in reference to which the following
remarks are made was captured in the Orwell River, on the 29th of June, 1847. It
was purchased by G. Ransome, Esq., and presented to the Ipswich Museum. Upon
comparing it with descriptions of the Phocidae in Professor Bell's ' History of British
Quadrupeds,' we found it not to correspond with the characters of any of the species
therein noticed, which induces us to regard it as one entirely new to the shores of
Britain. In colour it is of a uniform dark gray upon the upper parts of the body, be-
coming darker over the tarsal joint of the posterior extremities, the under parts being
of a yellowish-white ; irides dark reddish-brown. It measured about 3 feet 4 inches
in girth, by 4 feet 4 inches in length.
Fig. I represents the skull, in which the orbits are observed to be very capacious :
the anterior and inner margin being bounded by a line drawn perpendicularly down-
wards from the anterior extremity of the nasal bones, they will therefore be found to
bear a greater proportion to, and encroach more upon, the superior maxillary bones,
than the same parts in any of the figures given in Professor Bell's work.
Fig. 3 represents the palatine aspect of the skull, with the view of displaying the
general arrangement of the teeth in the upper jaw. Considerable latitude of motion
existed between the two inferior maxillary bones, and after careful maceration the
bones displayed a very imperfect junction at the symphysis ; the articulating surfaces
being smooth and convex : the left inferior maxillary bone is quite perfect, and dis-
plays a single cavity for the reception of one incisor tooth ; the bone of the right side
is a little broken at the corresponding part, where a cavity for an incisor tooth may
have existed. The dental formula in the present specimen appears to be as follows,
—incisors \ f , canines \ \, molars f f .
Fig. 4 is a front view, showing the disposition of the incisors and canines in the
upper jaw. The specimen is evidently very young, as indicated by the condition of
the bones in general, and by the teeth being very imperfectly fixed in their cavities.
All the teeth have but a single fang, except the posterior one on each side in the
upper jaw, which has two : the fangs of all the teeth are tubular, open at their ex-
tremity, and were filled by a vascular pulp. — W. B. Clarke ; 14, Berner's Street, Ips-
wich, August \Ath, 1847.*
* Reprinted from a private paper : the figures are necessarily omitted. — Ed.
Birds.
1871
Hair of the Roebuck. — " The difference in the colour and kind of hair that a roe's
skin is covered with at different seasons of the year is astonishingly great. From May
to October they are covered with bright red-brown hair, and but little of it. In win-
ter their coat is a fine dark mouse-colour, very long and close, but the hair is brittle,
and breaks easily in the hand, like dried grass. The roe sometimes take it into their
heads to swim across wide pieces of water, and even arms of the sea. I have known
roe caught by boatmen in the Cromarty Firth, swimming strongly against the current
of the tide, which runs there with great rapidity." — ' Wild Sports in the Highlands?
Arrivals of Migratory Birds at Elveden, Suffolk.
1847.
Wheatear about March 23
1847.
Cuckow about April 28
Lapwing
Thicknee
Blackcap
Nightingale ..
Swallow
Sand-martin..
House-martin
March 23
March 29
April 20
April 24
April 25
April 27
April 28
Redstart
Spotted flycatcher
Turtle dove
Swift
Goatsucker
Sedge-warbler ...
May
May
May
May
May
May
— Alfred Newton ; Everton, Biggleswade, July 28, 1847.
Nidification of Birds at Elveden.
1847.
Song thrush about March 24
1847.
Ringdove about May 12
Blackbird „ March 26
Lapwing „ March 31
Stockdove „ April 3
Hedge accentor „ April 16
Pheasant „ April 16
Jackdaw „ April 22
Long-tailed tit „ April 23
Skylark „ April 26
White owl „ April 27
Red-legged partridge ... „ April 29
Wheatear „ April 29
Common partridge „ April 30
Black and white wagtail „ April 30
Blue tit „ May 2
Tree-creeper „ May 3
Chaffinch „ May 4
Thicknee „ May 4
Gray linnet „ May 4
Meapow pipit „ May 6
Bullfinch „ May 7
House sparrow „ May 7
Greenfinch „ May 8
Greater tit „ May 8
Kingfisher „ May 10
Cole tit
Ringed plover ,
Common snipe
Little grebe ,
Willow-warbler ,
Nightingale
Black-headed bunting .
Golden-crested wren ....
Lesser redpole
Green woodpecker
Water hen
Blackcap
Swallow
Yellow bunting
Spotted flycatcher
Wryneck
Turtle dove
Redstart
Stonechat •.
Nightjar
Sand-martin
Common martin
Yellow (Ray's) wagtail ..
May 12
May 13
May 13
May 13
May 15
May 15
May 15
May 16
May 16
May 17
May 17
May 17
May 20
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 29
May 30
June 2
June 5
June 6
July 1
The dates are those on which the birds respectively laid their first eggs. — Id.
1872 Birds.
Arrivals of Migratory Birds at Everton, Bedfordshire.
1847. 1847.
Chiffchaff about April 7 House-martin about April 30
Nightingale „ April 19 Ring-ouzel „ April 30
Willow-wren „ April 20 Blackcap „ May 1
Redstart ,, April 21 Sedge-warbler „ May 8
Wryneck „ April 23 Swift „ May 12
Lesser whitethroat „ April 24 Wood-warbler „ May 12
Tree pipit „ April 29 Spotted flycatcher „ May 13
Cuckow „ April 29 Turtledove „ May 16
Swallow „ April 30 Goatsucker „ May 19
The dates of migration and nidification of birds at Elveden were recorded by my
brother.
With reference to Messrs. Gurney and Fisher's question, by the ' barred wood-
pecker' I mean the Picus minor of authors, that being the name applied to this spe-
cies by Bewick, and also quoted by Mr. Yarrell as a synonyme. — Id.
On handling the Eggs of Birds. — There seems to be a very prevalent notion that
the eggs of birds, if handled, will certainly be forsaken : that this may occasionally be
the result I will not venture to deny, but that it is not so generally the facts I am
about to adduce will clearly prove. In a thick bush in the shrubbery at Pentrapar,
near Llandilo, I found a chaffinch's nest containing two eggs, one of which I took :
the next day as I was passing I peeped into the nest, and found another egg laid ; this
I also removed, and put a small oval white stone in its place : on visiting it the follow-
ing day, I found the stone ejected, and another egg laid, with which I did not meddle.
In a wood at the Ferry side, near Caermarthen, I found a blackbird's nest with two
eggs in it, one of which I removed : the next day I visited it, and, finding another egg
laid, I pulled the nest off the fern-covered stump of a tree, where I found it, and took
it home : the next day in my wanderings I had the curiosity to examine the site of the
nest, and found there another egg laid: my unexpected success induced me to visit it
again on the following day, when to my great surprise I found auother egg ; this was
the last, the female bird being killed close to her nest that evening by a hawk. The
nests of the greenfinch, yellow-hammer, goldfinch, whitethroat, thrush, wren, swallow,
and many other birds, have I deprived of a portion of their eggs, and in every case has
incubation proceeded. The like result has attended my handling the green linnet's
eggs. This bird I have never seen described in any History of British Birds : in
Wales I have repeatedly seen it wild and in captivity. In size and shape it agrees
with the common linnet, but its plumage is greenish, a shade deeper than that of a
male canary. It builds in hedges, preferring the centre of a whitethorn bush, and
lays from five to six eggs. — E. J. R. Hughes ; Catherine Street, Whitehaven, June 8,
1847.
[The tenia green linnet is usually applied to the greenfinch. — Ed.}
Enquiry respecting the rearing a Lapiving. — Could any of your numerous cor-
respondents give me a hint as to the manner of rearing a young lapwing ? If the
kind-hearted author of the ' Wanderings ' were to give a few hints respecting the
treatment of this pretty stranger, he would gratify the enquirer, as well as the nume-
rous readers of the 'Zoologist.' — Id.
Food of Birds of the Pie kind. — The ' Journal of a Naturalist' says, 2nd edition,
p. 249, " The rook, the daw, the magpie, consume worms and grubs, and are not ad-
dicted, except from hunger, to eating other animal matters." We may presume this
Birds. 1873
ill-expressed sentence to mean, that the rook, &c, " eat other animal matters" only
from scarcity of " worms and grubs." It is added in a note, " The magpie having
young ones captures the new hatches of our domestic poultry ; but these are cases of
necessity rather than habit." My own observations have produced a somewhat dif-
ferent opinion as to the inclinations of birds of the pie tribe. Not only hawks, but
rooks, and especially jackdaws, rob the wheat-ear traps of the shepherds, along the
cliffs of the Sussex coast. Tame magpies and jackdaws will accept dead small birds
which may be offered them, though I do not remember seeing daws do more than
split the skulls to extract the contents. I have seen a wild magpie pursue a young
chaffinch which could scarcely fly, and, after chasing it from the hedge, catch it on
the wing, as if a butterfly, and immediately proceed to tear it in pieces. Very many
years ago I shot a jay, to which my attention was attracted by the angry notes of a
pair of chaffinches, and as the jay fell to the ground the hen chaffinch darted at (as if
to strike) it. The bill of the jay was thickly clotted with fresh blood, and I have no
doubt it had just devoured the progeny of the chaffinches, though I omitted to search
for their nest. Once, in a retired lane, I came suddenly upon a jay, which was very
busily engaged with a snake of some kind. I was not able to see what, but rather
imagine it was a viper. Not only was the bird evidently intending to feed upon the
snake, but it instantly flew off with its prey on being disturbed by my approach. Dif-
ferent members of the pie tribe will afford much entertainment when tamed, and
allowed some degree of liberty. Daws do not perhaps acquire so many tricks as some
others, but they will often be found very amusing. I have known one, which had the
full use of its wings, and associated very generally with the pigeons, living in the
same house with them without, to the best of my recollection and that of others, being
accused of mischief among their nests, and carrying thither any plunder it might ac-
quire, such as a silver pencil-case, or the like. This bird learned to imitate sundry
noises, and was very fond of strutting up and down the ridge of a large barn, cackling
precisely like a hen. But its most absurd feat was driving the dogs from their bones,
which it accomplished by slily pinching the dog's tail or a foot, and immediately taking
flight when the other turned round. This persecution it would continue so perse-
veringly, that the dog invariably gave up the point and retired, when the conqueror
would celebrate its victory by a peculiar chuckle of exultation. If another dog at-
tempted to take possession of the bone, it was only to experience the same treatment ;
and the jackdaw would thus keep three or four dogs, one of them a large Newfound-
land, completely at bay, until its attention was otherwise occupied. Another daw had
a particular call of alarm, by which it would give notice to the dogs of a stranger en-
tering the premises. I never had any opportunity of studying the habits of the jay,
but can testify that the magpie is a very mercurial animal, in more senses than ono.
When a boy I possessed one, which copied the cough of an asthmatic old gardener so
exactly, that members of the family were often deceived, when, wishing to speak to
the gardener, and hearing as they supposed his cough, they walked up to the spot only
to find, after some search, not the man, but mag perched in an apple tree. He was
also an inveterate tormentor of one of my younger brothers, who at that period wore
only socks, and the bird, having once made an attack upon the unprotected part of
his legs, was for ever repeating the aggression, to the great terror of the child, who
was continually driven into the house by the magpie flying to the assault, when he
went alone into the garden or yard. Several years ago I brought up a young magpie,
which, having been scared from the nest, I caught before it could fly ; and as it was
1874 Birds.
impatient of confinement, after a very few days I clipped a wing, and turned it loose,
when it proved extremely tame, and a most entertaining pet. It would come readily
to my call, and climb all over me, in order to partake of my hard biscuit. It was
soon upon the best possible terms with my dog, a mongrel terrier, which would even
permit the bird to try, as if in jest, to take away the bone he might be gnawing; and
frequently, when the dog was basking in the sun, flat upon his side, the magpie would
pinch — in the most gentle manner — his tail, toes and ears, pick his teeth, and even
poke his beak into the other's nostrils and ears, without the latter manifesting the
slightest resentment, though he never could bear the bird jumping upon him, which
he generally finished by doing, when he forthwith received " notice to quit," no doubt
on account of the uneasiness occasioned by his claws. This bird often invited me to
play at hide and seek with him, by darting backwards and forwards among the flowers
in a very significant manner ; his actions in which proceeding will, I imagine, explain
another, which I have many times observed among his congeners. In some districts,
where game-preserving is carried to a great extent, the race of magpies is nearly ex-
terminated, and even in others it is much less numerous now than in my younger days.
Still there probably are some parts of the country, where it may be yet possible, by
watching, to see what I have been amused by, namely, the assemblage of a dozen or
more of the birds in a field, when from time to time a party of three or four will start
forth, hopping hither and thither, and changing places, precisely as if they were
dancing a reel. In all these cases I conceive, from the frolicsome disposition displayed
by my bird, that the others must be engaged in a game of play. In the ' Journal of a
Naturalist' it is stated, as above, p. 189, that the magpie " generally lays eight or ten
eggs;" but from my own recollection, aided by enquiry, I should say that the num-
ber is rather over-rated, six or seven being the usual amount, though sometimes eight
might be found. My last bird was very useful in destroying grubs, wood-lice, and the
like, in the garden, though he found too much amusement in pushing off my apples.
However I regretted much when he met the usual fate of such pets, an untimely end.
— Arthur Hussey ; Tonbridge, August 14, 1847.
Remarks on the Nests and Eggs of the Wood- Warblers. — I have now before me the
nests of these warblers, which were found during the early part of the present month ;
and as they bear considerable resemblance in their general formation, probably an ac-
count of their respective differences may not be unacceptable to some of your readers.
The nest of the wood-warbler (Phyllopneuste sylvicola) is more loosely constructed than
those of its congeners, and it differs somewhat in being more oval in form. The outer
materials of which it is constructed consist of moss, dead leaves, and the culms of our
coarser grasses. The lining is formed of fine grasses, with the addition of a few hairs.
The total absence of feathers readily distinguishes it from the nests of its two allies.
The nest of the chiffchaff (P. hippoldis), though outwardly constructed of similar ma-
terials, is more compact in form, and the tiny architect usually lays a substantial
foundation, previously to constructing his fabric. The interior of the nest is lined
with the more slender of our grasses, chiefly the Agrostidae, a few soft feathers being
substituted in place of hair. The nest of the willow-warbler (P. trochilus) is interme-
dial in structure, neither so neat as that of the chiffchaff, nor so carelessly put together
as that of the wood-warbler. Its interior is formed of feathers and dry grass, as is the
case with that of the chaffinch, though probably the feathers predominate in the nest
of the willow-warbler. The eggs are readily distinguished : those of the wood-warbler
are much the largest, and are thickly mottled with dark purple ; those of the willow-
Birds. 1875
warbler are next in size, and are spotted with rusty red. The markings of the egg of
the chiffchaff sufficiently characterize it; they are of a vinous purple, and are sparingly
disposed in large blotches, chiefly confined to the broad end of the egg. — Peter Inch-
bald; Storthes Hall, Huddersfield, June 8, 1847.
Miscoloured Thrush's Eggs. — In 1845 I found a thrush's nest, in which were two
eggs of the usual colour, and two white with dark red spots. The nest was unfortu-
nately destroyed before the eggs were hatched. — E. Peacock.
Habits of the Water-Ouzel. — " At other times the water-ouzel walks deliberately
off his stone down into the water, and, despite of Mr. Waterton's strong opinion of
the impossibility of the feat, he walks and runs about on the gravel at the bottom of
the water, scratching with his feet among the small stones, and pecking away at the
small insects and animalcula which he can dislodge. On two or three occasions I
have witnessed this act of the water-ouzel, and have most distinctly seen the bird
walking and feeding in this manner under the pellucid waters of a Highland burn.
It is in this way that the water-ouzel is supposed to commit great havoc in the
spawning-beds of salmon and trout, uncovering the ova, and leaving what it does not
eat open to the attack of eels and other fish, or liable to be washed away by the cur-
rent ; and, notwithstanding my regard for this little bird, I am afraid I must admit
that he is guilty of no small destruction among the spawn." — ' Wild Sports in the
Highlands,' p. 198.
Nesting of the Tree Sparrow in Oxfordshire. — I beg to forward a notice of the
nesting of the tree sparrow in Oxfordshire. The nest was found by myself upon May
22nd, and was built at the end of a small hole in the top of a pollard willow. It con-
tained five eggs. The nest was domed over, composed of the flowering tops of a kind
of reed, and thickly lined with feathers. A few days previously I procured some eggs,
taken out of the thatch of a building, which I doubt not belong to the same species.
The bird is a winter visitant to this part of the country during severe weather. Great
numbers were observed during the past winter, but none in that of 1845-6. — H.
Roundell; Tringford, May 25, 1847.
Occurrence of the Cirl Bunting at Selborne. — On Saturday evening last, as I was
walking round my grounds here, I was struck by the manners of a pair of birds, which
were evidently endeavouring to attract the notice of my dog, and to draw him away
from their young. On approaching them, I found to my delight that they were a pair
of cirl buntings (Emberiza Cirlus), and that they had a brood of full-fledged young,
which were apparently feeding in some cut vetches lying in the neighbouring field.
It is evident that they have had their nest close at hand, as I have since never failed
to find them on the trees near the fence, at the same spot, whenever I have visited the
place. I have this morning seen five or six, including the parent birds ; and the lat-
ter are so tame that they will sit on the rail, within three or four yards of us, for a
considerable time, affording every opportunity of observing their beautiful plumage.
The young are more shy, but the beautiful and gay cock bird is exceedingly tame.
As I do not allow a gun to be ever fired in my little park, I cannot but hope that these
interesting birds may become permanent denizens of the place. I thought you would
be pleased to have a notice of this addition to the Selborne Fauna. In good old Gil-
bert White's time the bird was not known to be British, having been discovered by
Montagu in 1800. — Thomas Bell ; Selborne, July 12, 1847.
Tyneside Naturalists' Field Club ; Occurrence of Sylvia Turdoides near Newcastle.
— At one time Prestwick Car was not preserved, and water-birds were driven away,
1876 Birds.
and the shells on which they fed were abundant, but now that the place is strictly pre-
served, the birds abound, and the shells appear to have become scarcer. Water-birds,
as might be expected, have resorted in greater numbers to the Car, since they have
been less disturbed, and this year they appear to be more numerous than usual.
Several species also have bred in greater numbers this season than usual, and some
have bred which had not been previously noticed at the Car in the breeding season.
Several broods of the redshank were brought out, the water-crake bred there this
season, and a ruff and reeve were seen by Mr. R. Reay, of Berwick Hill. Mr. John
Hancock, by whom this information is furnished, obtained the egg of the redshank.
Amongst the other birds seen was a flock of about thirty ring-dotterels, a number un-
usually large to be seen together at Prestwick Car. The only business transacted at
the meeting was the election of four new members, and the presentation, by Mr. J.
Hancock, of a Notice of the Capture of the Thrush Nightingale (Sylvia Turdoides,
Meyer), the largest European warbler, near the village of Swalwell, three or four miles
west of Newcastle. The attention of Mr. Thos. Robson, of Swalwell, a gentleman
perfectly acquainted with the notes of our different warblers, was, towards the end of
last May, attracted to a note which he did not recognize. After some trouble he suc-
ceeded in seeing, and afterwards obtaining the bird, which proved to be the male of
the species above named. Although this was the only specimen obtained, yet, from
the time of year and other circumstances, there is little doubt that this fine warbler is
a regular visitant, its peculiarly retired habits having hitherto concealed it from ob-
servation. Mr. Hancock has in his possession an egg obtained in Northamptonshire,
which agrees exactly with the description of the thrush nightingale's, but from not sup-
posing the bird to be a native of England, Mr. Hancock was unwilling to assign the
egg to this species ; now, however, that the bird has been obtained here in the breed-
ing season, there seems no reason to doubt that it breeds also in Northamptonshire.
Partridge destructive to Eggs. — A friend of mine, who was much troubled by ver-
min, set two traps, a short space from each other, with a very slight fence on either side
to guide the animals to them. Between the traps he made a slight depression, in
which some eggs were placed as a bait : instead, however, of catching the vermin, he
caught their game, and to his annoyance found the leg of a partridge in one of the
traps. A few days afterwards he caught a French partridge in the same way. It may
be thought these birds accidentally entered the traps, but my friend assures me that
the eggs showed many marks of their bills, from which it is evident they were attracted
by them, and had been some time engaged at their work before they were caught. — T.
Catchpool, Jun. ; Colchester, August, 1847.
Note on the Common Sandpiper and Woodcock. — While fishing yesterday in the
River Bure, near Wroxham, I was much struck by the number of the common sand-
piper (Totanus hypoleucos) which I saw flying up and down ; there were many family
parties of five or six, but on two occasions I saw a flock of as many as thirty or forty
together close by me. I do not remember to have seen any notice of any flocking to-
gether of more than one family of that species. My companions, who are constantly
in the habit of fishing thereabouts, tell me that they never observed the bird there at
all, and, though not ornithologists, it could not have escaped the notice of both of
them were it common. On the same day I saw a woodcock taking its evening flight,
either a very early immigration or bred thereabouts ; I fancy the latter, as I have
reason to believe that they do nest in Norfolk. One was shot at Mr. Marsham's, of
Stratton, on the 4th of June this year, if my memory serves me ; certainly some time
in that month.— H. T. Frere ; Aylsham, August 25, 1847.
Birds. 1877
Migration of the Woodcock. — Mr. St. John supposes that there is a partial mi-
gration of those woodcocks that remain and breed in the north of Scotland. " At any
rate," says he, " they entirely disappear from woods where any day in June or July I
could find several brace. In September and the beginning of October I could never
find a single bird, though I have repeatedly tried to do so."— p. 222. " An intelligent
master of a ship once told me that in his voyages to and from Norway and Sweden,
he has frequently seen them (woodcocks) tired and exhausted, pitch for a moment or
two with outspread wings in the smooth water in the ship's wake, and, having rested
themselves for a few moments, continue their weary journey."— p. 221 , ' Wild Sports
in the Highlands'
Occurrence of the Ruddy Shieldrake (Tadorna rutila) in Ireland. — " I learn by let-
ter from T. W. Warren, Esq., of Dublin, that he has lately added to his fine collec-
tion of rare birds obtained in Ireland, an example of this species. The bird, on the
second day after being killed, was presented to Mr. Glennon, bird-preserver, by Mr.
John P. Prendergast, whose letter respecting it was kindly sent for my perusal. It
was there stated that the bird was shot on the Murrogh of Wicklow,* on the 7th July,
1847, by Mr. John Moreton, of that town. The abode of this species in Europe is in
the more southern portion of the eastern countries ; the individuals met with in the
western parts are considered only accidental visitants : three have been obtained in
England." — W. Thompson, in Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. xx. p. 171.
Occurrence of Baillon's Crake (Crex Bailloni) in Ireland. — " By letter from Dr.
Harvey, of Cork, dated January 13, 1847, I was kindly informed that he had at that
time in his possession — temporarily — a specimen of this bird, which was taken in a
bog at Clay Castle, near Youghal, on October 30, 1845. It was also remarked that
the spotted crake (Crex porzana) was obtained in the same locality in October, 1843.
Dr. Harvey subsequently, at my request, favoured me with a description of the speci-
men of C. Bailloni as to dimensions and colour. On applying the description to spe-
cimens in the British Museum and in Mr. YarrelPs collection, there was a perfect,
agreement, except in one particular, the white markings being in some parts of the
plumage of the few specimens examined disposed in the form of streaks, which they
were said not to be in any part of the individual obtained in Ireland. The specimen
belongs to Mr. Samuel Moss, of Youghal.
" The Crex Bailloni has occurred at various seasons in different parts of England,
and is said to breed in some of the northern provinces of France ; hence we should ex-
pect its occasional appearance in Ireland." — Id. p. 169.
Occurrence of the Whiskered Tern (Sterna leucopareia) in Ireland. — " When in
Dublin in the month of March last, I saw in the collection of T. W. Warren, Esq.,
an adult specimen of this very rare tern, which was shot in September, 1839, ' on the
river Liffey, between Ringsend and the Pigeon House fort, Dublin bay,' by John Hill,
Esq. This gentleman, from shooting much at one period in that bay, and being much
interested in scarce birds, obtained some species of the greatest rarity.
" The S. leucopareia was discovered by M. Natterer, of Vienna, in the south of
Hungary, and inhabits chiefly the eastern portion of the south of Europe. It has very
* " This is an extensive sandy tract bordering the sea near the town of Wicklow ;
such a locality as is resorted to by the common shieldrake {T. vulpanser) for the pur-
pose of breeding."
v 2s
1878 Birds.
rarely occurred in the more western countries of the continent. Temminck, when first
publishing the species (1820), mentioned that M. de la Motte, of Abbeville, had on
one occasion seen several individuals, and killed three of them in a marsh on the coast
of Picardy, in France. But one individual — killed at the end of August, 1836, at
Lyme, in Dorsetshire — is noticed in Yarrell's ' British Birds ' as having been obtained
in England. Specimens of this bird in the British Museum are labelled * Hydroche-
lidon * hybrida, India ? Hardwicke bequest,' and ' Cape Seas, Dr. Andrew Smith's
collection.' If, as quoted by Schlegel (Revue Crit. Ois. d'Eur. cxxxi.), this be S. hy-
brida of Pallas, that name has the advantage of priority." — Id. p. 170.
Occurrence of Sterna velox in Ireland. — " In March last I had the opportunity of
examining, in Mr. R. Ball's possession in Dublin, a specimen of a tern, the species of
which I did not know. It was left at my friend's house early in the month of Janu-
ary, and evidently had been but recently skinned. Mr. Watters, jun., to whom the
specimen now belongs, and who has commenced forming a collection of native birds,
which comprises some of the rarest species, assured me that he saw it in a fresh state,
and that it was killed near Sutton — a place on the road between Dublin and Howth
— at the end of December, 1846 : two others of the same species were stated by the
shooter to have been in company with it. As the bird was unknown to me, I noted
down the following particulars of it, which are here given that others may have an
opportunity of forming their judgment upon the species : —
in. lin.
Length, total (stuffed), to end of longest tail-feathers 20 3
of bill above from forehead to point 2 6
of bill from rictus to point 3 4
of wing from carpus 13 9
of tarsus, about 1 0
of middle toe to base of nail Oil
of nail itself, measured in a straight line, about 0 4
Wing and longest tail-feathers about of equal length ; outer or longest tail-feathers
exceed the middle by three inches. Bill wholly yellowish horn-colour ; legs and toes
wholly black. Colour of entire plumage the same as that of the common tern (S. Hi-
rundo), but the back is rather of a darker shade than that of the latter when adult.
The black of the head does not reach within one-third of an inch of the bill : space
between the termination of the black plumage and the bill, pure white. The specimen
is evidently adult.
" On visiting the collection of birds in the British Museum, where the utmost fa-
cility for reference and comparison has always been most kindly afforded me by George
It. Gray, Esq., I saw the same tern labelled * Sterna velox, Ruppell, Red Sea.' It
was from this locality that Ruppell had the species which is figured in his ' Atlas,' pi.
13 (1826). To Prince Bonaparte it is not known to have occurred farther west in the
Mediterranean than Sicily, and so far only accidentally. The Sterna cristata described
by Swainson in his ' Birds of Western Africa,' p. 247, pi. 30, agrees in all details with
my notes of S. velox, except in the colour of the back, which is said to be almost as
white as the under parts. — Id.
* Boie.
Reptiles — Fishes. 1879
Habits of the Tern. — " The terns which breed in the islands on a loch in the woods
of Altyre, fully five miles in a straight line from where they fish, fly up to their young
with every sand-eel they catch. I have seen them fly backwards and forwards in this
way for hours together, apparently bringing the whole of their food from the sea, not-
withstanding the distance ; their light body and long swallow-like wings make this
long flight to and fro less fatiguing to the tern than it would be to almost any other
bird." — « Wild Sports in the Highlands? p. 201.
Living Toad imprisoned in Stone. — A few days ago two labourers, employed at a
stone quarry at Frodingham, near Brigg, Lincolnshire, found, at a depth of five feet
below the surface of the ground, and between two blocks of stone (lias), a living toad :
the interstice between the stones was filled with yellow clay, and there did not appear
the least possible aperture by which anything could have passed. — E. Peacock.
Occurrence of the Natterjack at Selborne. — Observing, a few days ago, a toad
poking his nose from under a stone on the peach border in my garden, I took him up,
and found him to be the natterjack (Bufo calamita). I replaced him, and he continued
to inhabit the same retreat for some days, until he was fairly " burnt out " by the heat
of the sun. It was a strange place for a beast of this description to choose for his
hiding-place, under a wall exposed without shelter to the direct south, in such weather
as this : very different from the
" Toad that under the cold stone
Days and nights has thirty-one ! "
This is another addition to our local fauna. — Thomas Bell ; Selborne, July 12, 1847.
Young of the Natterjack. — At a recent meeting of the Surrey Natural-History So-
ciety, Mr. Henry Bull, of Godalming, exhibited specimens of the young of the nat-
terjack, found by himself on Shalford Common, where this reptile is abundant.
Occurrence of the Argentine (Scopelus borealis) at Killiney Bay. — " A specimen of
this extremely beautiful little fish was found in a dying state on the beach at Killiney
Bay, near Dublin, by Professor Oldham, on the 11th of March, 1847. It was shown
to me on the following morning in Dublin by that gentleman, who subsequently de-
posited it in the Museum of Trinity College.
" This specimen is 2£ inches in total length, and so fully agrees with that described
and figured by Dr. W. B. Clarke, in the second volume of Charlesworth's f Magazine
of Natural History ' (1838), as to render any description unnecessary. It having been
dried up before being transferred to spirits, a positive enumeration of the rays in the
fins is impracticable, but they are in all the fins about the number given by Dr. Clarke :
the anal fin, however, extends considerably farther along the body (for 4| lines) than
represented in his figure, although it there appears as extending to twice the length
that it does in Pennant's fish. It commences in the specimen under examination, as
1880 Fishes.
Dr. Clarke and Mr. Yarrell (B. F. vol. ii. p. 164, 2nd edit.) figure it, in a line with
the last gutta of the upper row, but extends as far as the first gutta on the ventral line
beyond the vacant space. The guttce in all the series are — what I did not anticipate
— precisely in number as in Dr. Clarke's specimen, and even where he remarks that
one ' appears to have been obliterated ' in the row of the smallest guttse extending
from the commencement of the anal to that of the caudal fin, it is wanting on both
sides of the specimen under examination. See Dr. Clarke's paper, p. 23, and Yarrell,
p. 164, for a detailed notice of these guttae. Some writers on the argentine — as Dr.
Clarke at p. 23, and Mr. Yarrell at p. 25 of the same volume, in his remarks on that
gentleman's communication — seem inclined to believe that among the very few exam-
ples of this fish obtained on the British coasts, two species have been taken. The anal
fin certainly is very short in Pennant's figure, but the author himself is silent respect-
ing the fin and its number of rays, so that we have only the engraving on which to
form a judgment. By making fair allowance for the injury that may have occurred
to the very delicate and fragile fins of this species, and for a due want of critical accu-
racy in the draughtsman and engraver, there is not, in my opinion, sufficient reason
for believing that the argentines hitherto noticed as taken in the British seas were of
more than one species, nor, judging from Nillson's description of the specimen taken
on the coast of Norway, do I see reason for considering it as distinct. This author
refers Pennant's fish to his Scopelus borealis."— W. Thompson, in Ann. and Mag. Nat.
Hist. xx. p. 171.
Description of a new Ray. — " A few days ago Mr. Whiteside found on the shore at
Eapid Bay the carcass of a fish of a most extraordinary description. It was too large
for him to drag away whole, and was also in a very putrid state. He preserved, how-
ever, a part of its head and a part of one flapper, which we have seen. These and the
rest we will describe in the best way wre can from his description, premising that Mr.
Whiteside has made arrangements for the remainder of the fish being brought up to a
neighbouring station, and the bones preserved. The creature is a flat fish, with a head
shaped something like that of a fox, near the back on each side of which large eyes
protrude. The nostrils and mouth are directly underneath. The length of the head
to the tip of the nose is about nine inches, and its breadth behind the eyes one foot.
The body is about three feet long by one broad, and has on each side a flapper of about
two feet long by a foot and a half broad. From the body proceeds a tail four feet in
length, on each side of which, at its junction with the body, springs a bony substance,
eighteen inches long, terminating in what resembles the bowl of a ladle. The tail is
armed all along, on each side, with strong ivory teeth, set on with large roots, like the
thorns of a rose ; and within the flappers are treble rows of ivory teeth, resembling
fish-hooks, each extremely sharp and barbed at the point. These we saw. But the
most curious part we have yet to describe. It is the mouth, which measures five
inches across, and has two lips, if they may be so called, each of which is covered with
round sharp teeth, of about a quarter of an inch long. On each are twelve rows of
about thirty-six teeth. Mr. Whiteside has not met with any one to whom the species
of fish was known ; but it seems pretty clear to us that it lives upon shell-fish, which
its remarkable teeth would enable it to grind up, while the spikes on the tail and flap-
pers would serve to attach it firmly to the sea-weeds, which abound in the part where
it was found, and the ladle-like paws would probably be used to tear the shell-fish
from the rocks and collect them for its food. The appearance of its outer skin is ex-
actly that of a light brown New Zealand mat ; the threads and cross stitches may be
Insects* 1881
distinctly traced. Some of the outer teeth are much ground down and quite blunt.
The inner ones are as sharp as needles."
The foregoing description is from a newspaper received not long since from Ade-
laide, in Australia ; and the fish described, which appears to be a species of eagle ray,
is probably new to science. — Jonathan Couch ; Polperro, August 5, 1847.
Bird-catching Spider. — At Quibe I saw a bird-catching spider (Mygale), of extra-
ordinary large size. The back part of the body alone measured two inches. Being
at some distance I supposed it to be one of the rodent animals, and I fired at it. To
my mortification I discovered my mistake when too late, for the specimen was com-
pletely destroyed by the shot, and was useless for my collection. The Indians assured
me that on the margin of the stream which flowed near the plantation many larger
individuals were to be found ; but I never saw another of such remarkable size as the
one I inadvertently destroyed. — TschudVs Travels in Peru.
Capture of Lepidoptera near Yaxley, in Huntingdonshire, from the 12th to the 20th
of August.
Agrotis cunigera. At sugar, sparingly.
Graphiphora subrosea. At sugar and on flowers, plentiful, but not one in a dozen
fine ; it fades very much after it is dead.
Mamestra nigricans. Six specimens, at sugar ; a new locality for this insect.
* Nonagria neurica. One female, at sugar.
Leucania musculosa. Sparingly, at sugar and on flowers.
* Leucania Helmanni. Sparingly, at sugar.
Plusia Festucce. At sugar.
Acosmetia rufula. Flying at night, not uncommon.
The two species marked thus * have not, I believe, been described in any work on
British entomology. — Fredk. Bond; Kingsbury, August 28, 1847.
Capture of Lepidoptera near Bristol.
Xylina petrificata. One, April 8.
Orthosia munda. Four, April 21 to 30, at sugar, Leigh Woods.
Drymonia chaonia. One, April 23, Leigh Woods.
Demas Coryli. One, April 26.
Triphosa cervinata. Three, May 3, attracted by light.
Geometra illustraria. One, May 21, attracted by light.
Eupithecia strobilata. Abundant, May 5 to 13, Durdham Downs.
Phibalapteryx Vitalbata. Abundant, May 8 to 31, Durdham Downs.
Leiocampa dictcea. Seven, May 22 to 31.
Hadena Genista. Three, June 3, Durdham Downs.
Xerene adustata. Abundant, June 7, Durdham Downs.
Bradyepetes amataria. Common, June 18, Durdham Downs.
Thyatira baits. One, June 28, Durdham Downs.
Pseudotomia Trauniana. Four, June 15, on walls.
1882 Insects.
Grammesia trilinea and bilinea. Several, June 5 to 9, attracted by light.
Eurymene dolabraria. One, June 18, attracted by light.
Leucania comma. One, June 21, attracted by light.
Cerura bifida. One, June 23, attracted by light.
Chora bajularia. Five, July, Durdham Downs.
Plerophorus tetradactylus. Abundant, July, Durdham Downs.
Pterophorus microdactylus. Abundant, July, Durdham Downs.
Agrotis corticea. Six, July, attracted by light.
Trochilium Ichneumoniformis. Eight, July, Durdham Downs.
Thyatira derasa. Two, July, Durdham Downs.
Emmelesia Blomeri. One, July, Durdham Downs; one, Leigh Woods.
Hipparchus papilionarius. Four, July, Durdham Downs.
Pericallia syringaria. Three, July, Durdham Downs.
Scopula hyalinalis. Abundant, July, Durdham Downs.
Scopula margaritalis. Three, July, attracted by light.
Scotophila porphyrea. One, July, attracted by light.
Plusia Iota. Abundant, July, attracted by light.
Eupacilia sodaliana. Four, July, Durdham Downs.
Charissa dilucidaria. Common, July, Durdham Downs.
Ptychopoda incanata. Three, July, Durdham Downs.
Margaritia asinalis. Common. July, Durdham Downs.
Porthesia chrysorrhcea. Four, July, attracted by light.
Hemithea vernaria. Common, July, Durdham Downs. — P. H. Vaughan; Redland,
near Bristol, August 25, 1847.
Larva taken at Sugar. — Not being aware that it has been noticed that sugar is at-
tractive to Lepidoptera, in the caterpillar, as well as in the perfect state, I beg to say
that I have captured several lame this summer (Polia nebulosa, Orthosia instabilis,
Cosmia trapelzina, and others) eating the sugar that I had placed on trees to attract
moths. That larvae are fond of sugar seems certain, for on my giving some to several
broods I have had during the summer, they generally greedily devoured it; but
whether it is really attractive to them I cannot determine : I should be glad to hear if
any of your correspondents have found it so. — Id.
Capture of Lepidoptera in 1847.
Hipparchia Typhon. This in my opinion is a variety of H. Davus. I took spe-
cimens in Arran which connect the Rannoch with the Cumberland variety.
JEgeria Bembeciformis. Carlisle, August 16.
Demas Coryli. Pass of Killicrankie, Scotland, May 28.
Harpalyce ruptata and alboerenata. Evidently varieties of one species. Rannoch.
Hadena rectilinea. At sugar, and resting upon walls, palings, &c, June 14 to 30,
Rannoch.
Acronycta Euphorbia. At sugar, and resting upon walls, palings, &c. I also
bred this species.
Acronycta Menyanihidis. At sugar, and resting upon walls, palings, &c.
Acronycta Ligustri. Carlisle.
Anarta cordigcra. At rest on granite rocks on the moors, but very difficult to cap-
ture during sunshine. Rannoch.
Insects. 1883
Anarta melanopa, Thunb., vidua, Hub. Flying over club-moss in the sunshine,
at an elevation of 3000 feet on rocky mountains. Rannoch.
Psoclos trepidaria. July 2, on Scheallion, nearly at the top on the north side, fly-
ing in the sunshine.
Speranza sylvaria. July 14, flying among fern in the Black Forest, Rannoch,
during sunshine.
Charissa obfuscaria. Isle of Arran, July 20, at rest upon stones.
Plusia interrogationis. Isle of Arran, flying in the sun among burnt heath : they
invariably rest upon the burnt twigs of the heath with the head downwards : they are
difficult to capture, from the rapidity of their flight.
Polyphagia russaria, var. concinnata P Steph. This appears to be a permanent va-
riety in Arran.
Emmelesia blandiata. June 10 to 30, among bushes, Rannoch.
Emmelesia ericetata. July 26, on stone walls and heath, near Carlisle.
Cosmia fulvago. August 9, Barron Wood, near Carlisle.
Orthosia neglecta. August 9.
Sarrothripus undulanus. Beaten out of an oak, Barron Wood.
Orthosia congener. Barron Wood.
Stilbia anomalata. Three by beating, one at sugar.
Cleora teneraria. July 26 to August 24, by beating the oaks.
Graphiphora depuncta. August 9, Barron Wood.*
Graphiphora Dahlii. Barron Wood.
Ceropacha diluta. August 14.
Triphama fimbria. August 14.
Simaethis pariana. By sweeping the heath.
Apatela Leporina. On sugar, Carlisle.
Thyatira batis. August 14.
Venusia cambrica. Barron Wood, July 25.
Erastria uncana. Orton Moss, near Carlisle.
Polia Herbida and nebulosa. At sugar.
Harpalyce subtristata. Variety.
Scopula alpinalis. July 2, on Scheallion ; July 15, on Ben Lawers.
Crambus radiellus, Curt. July 15.
Aplocera casiata, var. Black Forest, Rannoch.
Acidalia fumata. Black Forest.
Hadena glauca, H. adusta, H. contigua and Mamestra Pisi, var. On sugar, at
Rannoch, in June,
Agrotis valligera, cursoria and Trilici. Banks of Solway Frith.
Cerigo texta. Carlisle.
Ellopia fasciaria. Black Forest and Newby Cross, Carlisle.
Macaria lituraria. Black Forest.
Tethea subtusa. August, poplars. — James B. Hodgkinson ; Harraby, Carlisle,
September, 1847.
Capture of Lepidoptera new to Britain.
Eupisteria picearia. This species, which is new to Britain, was taken by Mr.
Hodgkinson in Perthshire. It is the Geometra picearia of Hubner, but is probably
the G. carbonaria of Linne, described in the ' Fauna Suecica,' and figured by Clerck.
1884 Insects.
The Boletobia carbonaria of Boisduval, &c, appears to be the fuliginaria of Linne,
and of course the Linnean names ought to be restored.
Coccyx Cosmophorana, Tr. Mr. Hodgkinson captured this pretty species, and also
another Tortrix, which appears to be Stigmonota dorsana, Hub., both of which are
new to Britain. Dorsana of English authors is Stigmonota intemana, Guen.
Scandia Picarella. This pretty Tinea was also taken by Mr. Hodgkinson. My
friend Mr. Stephens kindly examined these three species, and it is upon his authority
that I give the above names, which I believe to be correct. — Henry Doubleday ; Ep-
ping, September 3, 1847.
Occurrence of Colias Edusa near York. — Colias Edusa has made its appearance
this year in the neighbourhood of York. I took a few specimens last week. Three
specimens were first seen on the 31st of July, between which date and the 21st of the
present month thirty-seven males and ten females have been taken in Heslington
Field (the same locality in which we took C. Hyale in 1842). Some were taken
resting upon the wild succory, scabious and knapweed, but the greatest part were cap-
tured flying. Thirteen years has elapsed since this beautiful species has been taken
in the neighbourhood of this city, not having been observed since 1833 and 1834,
during which years we took a few specimens ; also in the above-mentioned locality. —
Robert CooJc ; 30, Colliergate, York, August 27, 1847.
Occurrence of Colias Edusa at Godalming. — At a recent meeting of the Surrey
Natural-History Society, Mr. Salmon, of Godalming, exhibited a pair, male and fe-
male, of this butterfly, captured by himself in the Godalming common meadows, on
the 2nd of August.
Occurrence of Colias Edusa at Leominster. — I have just seen a fine male specimen
of Colias Edusa flying about the Friends' burial-ground at Leominster. I believe it
has never before been seen in this locality ; and only one instance, as far as I am
aware, has occurred of its appearance in the county of Hereford. — Edward Neivman ;
Leominster, August 17, 1847.
Note on Melitcea Dia. — I have received, from Mr. Weaver and others, communi-
cations concerning this butterfly : all of them, like those already published, appear to
me inconclusive. If this insect is really British, I cannot doubt it will again occur,
and if so the matter will be settled to the satisfaction of all parties : at present the
evidence, as furnished by Mr. Weaver himself, appears to me unsatisfactory ; and I
agree with those entomologists who decline to introduce the name into the British list.
— Id., August 19, 1847.
Larva of Sphinx Convolvuli. — On the 25th of August I had two large caterpillars
brought me, and on the 27th two more. The first of these was of an uniform dark
green, with a row of black spots above the legs, and a transverse black line running a
little beyond the middle; the horn red, base and tip black; head black, streaked with
dark yellow. The others black, with an undulating white line above the legs, then a
row of black spots ; parallel to these, and near the top, another row of yellowish spots,
a faint transverse line passed across each segment ; the head as in the first, but the
yellow streaks brighter ; the horn black. In one of these specimens, which soon
buried, the black wore a sickly hue, and was much paler, while the white ran up into
the sides. These are the larvae of Sphinx Convolvuli.* I cannot but think myself
* That your readers may not suppose I am mistaken, I will quote Mr. H. Double-
day's words, " Your larva are undoubtedly Convolvuli."
Insects. 1885
fortunate in obtaining the green caterpillar, as it shows this variety at least to have
been known to the old collectors, and that they are entitled to a little more respect than
they have lately received from us. — John Sir com, Jun.; Brislington, September 2,
1847.
Larva of Deilephila Celerio. — In the ninth month (September) of 1846 I was fortu-
nate enough to meet with a caterpillar of Deilephila Celerio, which changed to a chry-
salis in about a week after I had received it. As it would in due course have changed
to the perfect insect during the fifth month (May) following, I was fearful of disturb-
ing it previous to that time, it being so great a rarity. At the end of the month I ex-
amined the chrysalis, and found the shell to be extremely brittle. The moth was
pretty well developed, and sufficiently flexible to admit of my spreading it out. I am
rather inclined to believe it would have arrived at a perfect state, if I had placed it in
a greenhouse, at the beginning of the month. Subsequently to my meeting with the
caterpillar, I made a diligent search on various vines without finding any more, but
had two more chrysalides brought me, both of which died. — Edwin R. Ransome ;
Chelmsford, Uth of 6th mo., 1847.
Note on Lasiocampa Trifolii. — In June last I captured seven larvae of Lasiocampa
Trifolii, on the cliffs, in the same situation I found it in the two preceding seasons.
The whole of my larvae changed, and on the 18th ult. I bred a fine female, which I
put into a box, and took down to the coast, and captured six males attracted by the
female. I tried this experiment the two last seasons, but failed, owing to my ignorance
of its period of flight. I thought it flew by day, like Lasiocampa Quercus, but I dis-
covered this season that about half an hour after sun-set it began to fly, and continued
on the wing for about an hour. I subsequently took five more males, some of them
much wasted : six of my bred ones have come out, and I have one more to come out.
— Wm. Noye ; St. Just, in Penwith, September 7, 1847.
Capture of Trachcea Atriplicis at Sugar. — On the evening of July 9th I took at
sugar, near Brandon, in Suffolk, a splendid specimen of Trachaea Atriplicis : this is the
third truly British specimen that has been captured. The composition was also visited
by a single example of Tethea octogesima. During my stay I netted several Agro-
phila sulphuralis. — /. W. Dunning ; Elmwood Lodge, Leeds, August 23, 1847.
Occurrence of Graphiphora depuncta near Carlisle. — I was fortunate enough to meet
with this rare species, in fine condition, on the 9th of August, and my father and
brothers have taken it since. I understand it has been taken in three other localities
in England. The first specimen which was captured in this country occurred in the
same locality in which ours were taken. It was sent to Mr. Westwood to figure. —
— James B. Hodgkinson ; Harraby, Carlisle, September, 1847.
Capture of Epione advenaria at Battel. — I took seventeen very fine specimens of
this insect here, by beating, between the 25th of May and the 7th of June. Had I
known its value, I dare say I might have taken a hundred, as it was very common. —
James B. Ellman ; Battel, September 3, 1847.
Metamorphoses of Tetanocera ferruginea. — M. L. Dufour, to whom the Academy is
already indebted for many interesting entomological investigations, thus explains the
singular history of the metamorphoses of Tetanocera ferruginea. A fly, whose deli-
cate wings and down would be injured by the contact of the least moisture, is destined
to pass the first and second stages of its life in the water. The aquatic existence of
the larvae of Diptera is by no means a newly-ascertained fact in their history ; for
both Swammerdam and Reaumur have apprised us that those of Stratiomys live in
v 2t
1886 Insects.
that medium. But do we know anything of the metamorphoses of those Muscidae
acalypterae, with their solemn progress and silent flight, whose populous tribes frequent
the plants of our ponds ? No ; and of the thousands of species named in the works of
Dipterologists, scarcely one has been surprised in the mutations of its threefold life.
M. Dufour has traced the history of a fact of this nature. He says : —
Towards the end of autumn, in 1846, I discovered a larva among the Lemna and
Callitriche growing in the water of a marsh near Saint-Sever. It was far from being
microscopical in point of size, since it was from fifteen to twenty millemetres in length.
After having carefully observed the circumstances in which it occurred, I conveyed it
to my study, where I observed the same conditions as nearly as possible ; and I had
the lively satisfaction of seeing the larva go on well, become changed into a chrysalis,
and, in spite of the rigour of the long winter, the winged insect was developed in the
following spring.
This larva is of a grayish colour and finely sha greened, and, like the leech, under-
goes considerable variation in form and apparent structure, in consequence of the ex-
treme contractility of its skin. Sometimes it is contracted and shrivelled up, and then
presents a corrugated appearance, and a somewhat oval figure ; at other times it is
greatly extended, and then becomes lengthened out, attenuated in front and plane be-
neath, and rather convex above. It possesses but eleven segments ; three cephalic,
three thoracic, and five abdominal. The cephalic segments are tubular, retractile, and
capable of being drawn one within the other like the tubes of a telescope ; they are
without asperities, and much smaller than the succeeding segments, within which they
can entirely withdraw themselves. These modifications of form entail special physi-
ological attributes, to understand which it is necessary to study the habits of the living
larva. These three segments, endowed with an exquisite degree of sensibility and
contractility, combine, according to my views, all the functions of the senses of other
animals, such as feeling, sight, taste, smell, and instinct or intelligence, although they
possess none of the special organs of the senses. The three cephalic represent the
head and the bi-articulate proboscis of the future fly. Those of the thorax correspond
to the three combined compartments of the perfect insect. In short, and I say it with
a feeling of admiration for the organic conformity, the abdomen of the fly produced
from this same larva, whose evolution has produced for me so much mingled solicitude
and satisfaction, has no more than five segments. The larvae of nearly all the Mus-
cidae have two pairs of stigmata ; in this, however, there is but a single posterior pair ;
and these afford a proof of the care taken by nature to ensure the due performance of
the important function of respiration in an animal of aquatic habits unprovided with
branchiae. These pneumatic orifices are situated at the bottom of a stigmatic hollow,
placed on the last segment of the body, which segment is eminently mobile. This
hollow is crowned by eight large triangular lobes, all of equal size. These, in the act
of respiration, remain emerged, and open like a regular corolla with eight petals ; but
when the larva has occasion to descend, it brings together the lobes of the hollow ;
and the edges of these lobes are so well adapted to each other, that they hermetically
close the stigmatic receptacle. The orifices are in orbicular projections, into which
the air is admitted by means of a median aperture ; and when the integument of the
larva becomes thinner as it elongates, a close inspection with a lens will show both the
two principal tracheae which terminate in the openings, and the anterior point where
they anastomose and form a common canal.
A few days after I had replaced in the water the larva which I had been studying
Insects. 1887
and delineating, what was my surprise when I perceived a black body floating upon
the surface of the liquid ; this upon attentive examination proved to be a pupa. If
I had not felt certain of having rigorously isolated my larva, I could not have believed
that this pupa had any connexion with it, so little did it resemble the previous stage.
The curious chrysalis, so unexpectedly presented, balanced itself like a boat at the
least breath of air ; and in meditating upon its mission, I felt myself more than ever
humiliated before the astonishing conservative provisions of Nature. There, where
the uneducated eye would have seen nothing but an inert fragment of wood blackened
by putrefaction, I perceived the hermetically sealed cradle of a tender nymph, swathed
and motionless, the future hope of the Tetanocera. I felt that this precious foetal re-
ceptacle was destined, by the Supreme Intelligence, to brave the storm during five
months of the most inclement season ; to become the sport of the waves ; to preserve
its vitality in defiance of the ice which would imprison it for days, and perhaps weeks ;
and at length, on the exclusion of the winged insect in the coming spring, to proclaim
aloud the intelligent solicitudes of Providence. This chrysalis had need to be formed
of a tissue at once impermeable, resisting and elastic, in order to shield its frail in-
habitant from direct contact with the water, and to break the force of its bufferings
and inevitable shocks ; it had also need of a form which should prevent it from being
submerged at any time, and thus exposing, in the midst of so many dangers, so many
elements of destruction, that precious deposit of a life then simply lethargic. This,
surely, if I do not deceive myself, is the true philosophy of science. — Report of the
Meeting of the Academie des Sciences, on the 14th June, 1847, in the ' Nouvelle Revue
Encyclopedique ' for that month.
Revision of British Hydro cantharidee. By H. Schaum, M.D., Sec. Ent. Soc. of
Stettin, &c, &c.
Having paid for some time past much attention to the group of Hydrocantharida?,
and having compared typical specimens of nearly all the European species described
within the last fifteen years by continental authors, I took advantage of a short
stay in London to examine the species contained in the principal English collections,
in order to reduce to one standard, where practicable, the different names used by
British and continental entomologists.
It will be seen, by the following pages, that this difference of nomenclature is very
great. It is, however, easily to be accounted for. The insular position of Great
Britain must naturally tempt the collectors of that country to confine themselves en-
tirely to the study of the productions of their own soil, of which they could hope
eventually to obtain an almost complete knowledge ; and they have succeeded so well in
collecting these productions, that perhaps, with the exception of Sweden and Norway
only, the entomological fauna of Great Britain is at present better known than that
of any other country in Europe. This exclusive interest for British insects, has, how-
ever, militated against that exchange of specimens with foreign entomologists which is
so necessary for the exact determination of species in all the more difficult genera
and groups. British entomologists were compelled to determine their insects entirely
according to the descriptions of continental writers; and it will be freely admitted
1888 Insects.
by everybody who has endeavoured to do this, that, at least in the more numerous and
obscure genera, mistakes cannot be entirely avoided, where we are not guided by au-
thenticated specimens of one or several species. So it frequently happened that
British entomologists mistook the species of continental authors, and in consequence
sometimes described the very species they had mistaken under a new name. On the
other hand, modern German and French entomologists have proposed many spe-
cies as new, which were previously published by British authors. The only fact which
they can allege in order to excuse themselves, is, that having generally a much greater
number of species before them, they could not positively decide to which of their
species the descriptions of English writers were applicable.
It results, from the following list, that not a single species of the Hydrocantharidae is
exclusively British ; they all occur also either in France, Switzerland and Germany, or
in Norway and Sweden. The species common to Great Britain and Norway, and
not found in Germany and France, are only two, viz., Agabus arcticus and Hy-
droporus novem-lineatus. The result which I obtained from the examination of
another and much larger family of beetles, in British collections, is nearly the same.
Amongst the British Carabidae there are scarcely half-a-dozen species not yet dis-
covered on the Continent, the more remarkable of which are Leistus raontanus, Blemus
pallidus, and Lymnaeum nigro-piceum. This fact, that the number of exclusively
British insects is exceedingly small, seems sometimes not to have been borne in mind
even by entomologists of the present day, who supposed that insects new to the British
fauna were also new to science. For instance, I am much inclined to believe that the
Aphodius ericetorum, lately described by Mr. Hardy, is only the A. lapponum of
Gyllenhall ; and Rhyzophagus cserulescens, of the same author, the R. caeruleus of
Wal. and Erichson ; though I do not venture to give a positive opinion as to these
species, not having compared specimens of them with the foreign ones above named.
I have not entered into any details of description in the following enumeration, all
the species being sufficiently characterized in the works to which I have referred.
I cannot conclude these introductory remarks without acknowledging the great as-
sistance I have received from Mr. Stephens, who has most kindly and liberally allowed
me the free use of his extensive collection, by which means I have been able to decide
with certainty concerning species which, had I obtained only access to descriptions, I
could not satisfactorily have done. To Mr. Haliday, Mr. Wollaston and Mr. Hislop, I
also beg to return my thanks, as well as to Mr. White and Mr. E. Doubleday, of the
British Museum, from whom I have received every kindness and assistance.
Genus Haliplus, Lair., Erichs., Aube.
1. H. elevatus, Panz., Gyll., Steph., Aube, Erichs.
2. H. mucronatus, Steph.
— parallelus, Babington.
— badius, Aube.
3. H.fulvus, Fabr., Clairv., Babington, Erichs., Steph. Man.
— ferrugineus, Gyll., Aube.
— ferrugineus, var., Steph. 111.
4. H.Jlavicollis, Sturm, Aube.
— impressus, Erichs., Steph. 111.
— ferrugineus, Steph., Babington, not Linn.
The distinguishing characters of the last three species, which are nearly allied, are
Insects. 1889
sufficiently pointed out by Mr. Babington and Dr. Aube. I think it right to retain
for the last species the name under which Sturm has described and figured it. The
collection of Fabricius shows that this author confounded, under the name of Dyticus
impressus, this and several of the following species. D. ferrugineus of Linne does not
belong to this insect, but is, according to his cabinet, the female of Hyphidrus
ovatus.
5. H. variegatus, Sturm, Erichs., Aube.
— subnubilus, Babington.
— margine-punctatus, Steph. 111., not Panz.
— ruficollis, Steph. Man., not Degeer, Erichs.
6. H. ruficollis, Degeer, Erichs., Steph. 111.
— impressus, Gyll., Aube. '
— margine-punctatus, Panz.
— fulvicollis, Steph. Man.
— melanocephalus, Steph. 111.
— brevis, Steph.
— rubicundus, Babington.
I have referred the H. rubicundus of Babington to this species, according to a
specimen named by the author himself, existing in the collection of Mr. T. V. Wol-
laston, of Cambridge.
7. H. cinereus, Aube, Erichs., Schiodte.
— affinis, Steph.
8. H. Jluviatilis, Aube, Erichs., Schiodte.
Of this species I have seen two British specimens only, in the collection of Mr. Wol-
laston.
9. H. obliquus, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube, &c.
10. H. confinis, Steph.
— lineatus, Aube, Erichs.
11. H. lineatocollis, Marsh., Gyll., Steph., Aube, Erichs.
— bistriolatus, Duftschm.
Genus Cnemidotus, Illiger, Erichs., Aubk.
1. C. casus, Duftschm., Gyll., Steph., Aube, Erichs.
— impressus, Panz.
Genus PiELOBius, Schonherr.
1. P. Hermanni, Fabr., Oliv., Steph., Erichs., Aube, &c.
Genus Hyphidrus, llliger.
1. H. ovatus, Linn. (Mus. Banks.) $, Steph., Erichs., Aube.
Dy. ferrugineus, Linn. (Mus. Linn.) £ , Donov.
H. ovalis, Fabr., Gyll., <?.
— gibbus, Fabr., Gyll., $ .
Var. H. variegatus, Steph.
The H. variegatus, Steph. is a pale variety only of H. ovatus : it is totally distinct
from H . variegatus, 111., Aube.
1800 Insects.
Genus Hydroporus, Clairville.
1. H. inaqualis, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Erichs., Aube, &c.
Dy. parvulus, Fabr.
— trifidus, Marsh.
Hygrotus reticulatus, Steph., not Fabr., &c.
2. H. reticulatus, Fabr., Gyll., Erichs., Aube, &c.
Hygrotus collaris, Panz., Steph.
Var. Hy. affinis, Steph. 111.
3. H. decoratus, Gyll., Sturm., Erichs., Aube.
Hygrotus decoratus, Curtis, Steph.
4. H.pictus, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube, &c.
— arcuatus, Fabr., Panz.
5. H. lepidus, Oliv., Schonh., Aube.
Hygrotus scitulus, Steph.
6. H. conjluens, Fabr., Panz., Gyll., Steph., Aube.
7. H. rivalis, Gyll., Aube.
Hygrotus fluviatilis, Steph.
Hy. Stephensii, Budd, Steph.
I am not perfectly satisfied that this species is really different from the following.
The only distinguishing character is the maculation of the elytra ; and from the iso-
lated or more or less confluent black lines of the H. Sanmarkii, there appears to exist
every link to the irregular black patches of H. rivalis.
8. H. Sanmarkii, Sahib.
— assimilis, Gyll., Aube, Steph., not Payk.
9. H. septentrionalis, Gyll., Aube.
— alpinus, Kunze, Steph., not Payk., Gyll.
— fluviatilis, Sturm.
The true H. alpinus, Payk., Gyll., of which H. bidentatus, Gyll., Aube, is the fe-
male, and H. borealis, Gyll., a variety, has hitherto not been found in Great Britain.
10. H. Davisii, Curtis, Steph., Aube.
— borealis, Steph., Aube, not Gyll.
— alpinus, Duftschm.
— septentrionalis, Heer.
11. H. assimilis, Payk., Sturm.
— frater, Kunze, Steph., Aube.
— halensis, Steph. Man., not Fabr., Erichs., Aube.
— areolatus, Steph. 111.
— affinis, Sturm.
12. H. halensis, Fabr., Germ., Erichs., Aube.
— areolatus, Duftschm.
— griseo-striatus, Steph., not Degeer, Gyll., Aube.
Of this species I have seen one British specimen only, existing in Mr. Stephens's
collection.
13. H. elegans, Illig., Panz., Sturm.
— brevis, Sturm.
— depressus, Steph., Aube.
Insects. 1891
The H. depressus, Fabr., Gyll., Sturm, found in Sweden, is dark beneath, and of a
more elongated shape ; and it is not ascertained that it is a mere local variety.
14. H. duodecim-pustulatus, Fabr., Steph., Aube.
15. H. parallelogrammus, Ahrens, Sturm, <?, Aube, J , Erichs., $ 2 •
— lineatus, Marsh, £ , Steph., <? $ .
— consobrinus, Kunze, Aube, $.
— nigro-lineatus, Kunze, Sturm, $ .
16. H. novem-lineatus, Rudd, Steph. 111., $ .
— nigro-lineatus, Gyll., Steph., $ , not Steven, Aube.
— consobrinus, Zetterst., $.
— Schonherri, Aube, <^.
— parallelus, Aube, $ , var.
This insect is not the true H. nigro-lineatus described by Steven in Schonherr
Synon. Ins., which is identical with H. enneagrammus of Sturm. I have retained for
the above species the very significant name of H. novem-lineatus, under which
it is described by Mr. Rudd in Stephens's Illustrations, vol. ii. p. 192. It is very
scarce and local, and Mr. Stephens has only the female. A fine series of both
sexes has been taken by Mr. Haliday, at a little lake in the Isle of Bute.
17. H.picipes, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube, &c.
$ var. H. alternans, Kunze, Steph. 111.
H. lineellus, Gyll.
18. H. dorsalis, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube, &c.
Var. H. figuratus, Gyll.
19. H. opatrinusf Germ., Steph., Aube.
20. H. latus, Steph., Curtis fol.
— ovatus, Sturm, Erichs., Aube.
— castaneus, Heer.
21. H. paluslris, Linn., Sturm, Steph., Erichs.
— sexpustulatus. Fabr., Gyll., Aube.
Dy. lituratus, Fabr., Panz.
H. proximus, Steph. 111.
Var. H. cambriensis, Steph., Curtis fol.
The original specimen of Dy. lituratus, Fabr., which I have seen in Fabricius's
own collection at Kiel, belongs to this species, and not to H. lituratus, Aube.
22. H. vittula, Erichs.
— ambiguus, Aube.
— nigrita, Steph., not Fabr., Gyll., Aube.
By comparison of original specimens, I have ascertained that H. vittula, Erichs.,
and ambiguus, Aube, are identical. H. striola, Gyll., to which H. vittula had been
referred by Dr. Aube, is a distinct species.
23. H. xanthopus, Steph.
— planus, Steph. Man., not Fabr., &c.
— flavipes, Steph. 111., not Fabr.
— lituratus, Brulle, Aube.
This species being neither D. planus, Fabr. (v. No. 25), nor D. flavipes (v. No. 28),
nor D. lituratus, Fabr. (v. No. 21), the name of H. xanthopus is to be retained
for it.
1892 Insects.
24. H. pubescens, Gyll., Aube.
— melanocephalus, Marsh., Steph., Sturm.
— caliginosus, Steph. Man.
— planus, Marsh., Steph. 111.
I retain for this species the name of H. pubescens, although subsequent to melano-
cephalus, Marsh., in order to avoid confusion with H. melanocephalus, Gyll., Aube, a
very distinct species, which has not yet received any other name.
25. H. planus, Fabr., Gyll., Sturm, Erichs., Aube.
— flavipes, Fabr.
— ater, Forster, Steph.
— holosericeus, Marsh., Steph. 111.
— pubescens, Steph., not Gyll., Aube.
— fuscatus, Steph.
26. H. eryihrocephalus, Linne, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube, &c.
? var. H. deplanatus, Gyll., Aube.
27. H. ruffrons, Duftschm., Gyll., Sturm, Aube, Erichs.
— piceus, Steph.
28. H. oblongus, Steph.
— nitidus, Sturm, Erichs., Aube.
29. H.ferrugineus, Steph.
— victor, Aube.
30. H. memnonius, Nicolai, Erichs., Aube, Steph. Man.
— subelongatus, Steph., $.
— marginatus, Steph., <y immature, not Duftschm., Kunze, Aube.
— deplanatus, Steph., ? , not Gyll., Aube.
— niger, Sturm, $ .
— jugularis, Babington, c? ? .
— castaneus, Aube, ? .
31. H. Gyllenhalii, Schiodte.
— rufifrons, Steph., not Duftschm.
— piceus, Aube, not Steph.,* not Sturm, Erichs.f
32. H. tristis, Payk., Gyll., Sturm, Erichs., Aube.
I have seen two British specimens of this species in Mr. Wollaston's collection ; it
was unknown to Mr. Stephens.
33. H. angustatus, Sturm, Erichs., Aube.
— tristis, Steph., not Payk., &c.
— acuminatus, Sturm.
34. H. obscurus, Sturm, Erichs., Aube.
— tristis, var. |3. Gyll.
— umbrosus ? Steph.
This species has been taken plentifully in Ireland by Mr. Wollaston. The typical
specimen of H. umbrosus, Steph., is very old, and not in good preservation ; it is
therefore only with doubt that I refer it to this species.
* No. 27.
f Is most probably a variety of No. 24.
Insects. 1893
35. H. umbrosus, Gyll., Sturm, Aube, Erichs.
— minutus, Steph.
36. H. Scalesianus, Steph.
— pygmaeus, Sturm, Aube, Erichs.
Of this pretty minute species I have seen one British specimen only, in Mr. Ste-
phens's cabinet. It has been taken in great abundance at Berlin, but is very local.
37. H. lineatus, Fabr. ? Oliv., Gyll., Sturm, Aube, Erichs.
— ovatus, Fabr.
— pygmaeus, Fabr., Steph.
— ovalis, Marsh., Steph.
The two specimens of D. lineatus in Fabricius's own collection belong to H. al-
pinus, Payk. ; it is however very doubtful if they are those which he described.
38. H.fiavipes, Oliv., Aube.
— minimus, Steph., not Scop.
— concinnus, Steph.
— marmoratus ? Bakewell, Steph.
I have not seen any specimen of the H. marmoratus, described by Mr. Bakewell in
Stephens's Illustrations : it does not exist in Mr. Stephens's cabinet ; but the descrip-
tion agreeing with a variety of H. flavipes, in which the yellow longitudinal lines of the
elytra next to the base are abbreviated, I have referred it with doubt to this species.
39. H. granulans, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Sturm, Erichs., Aube.
40. H. geminus, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube, Erichs.
— pusillus, Fabr.
41. H. unistriatus, Illig., Oliv., Steph., Erichs., Aube.
— parvulus, Payk., Gyll.
Hygrotus bisulcatus, Curtis, Ann. Nat. Hist.
42. H. minutissimus, Germ., Aube.
— trifasciatus, Wollaston.
Genus Noterus, Clairville.
1. N. crassicornis, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Erichs., Aube.
— capricomis, Herbst, Sturm.
2. N. semipunctatus, Fabr., Erichs., Steph. Man.
— sparsus, Marsh., Curt., Steph. 111., Aube.
Genus Laccophilus, Leach. .
1. L. minutus, Linn. (Mus. Linn.), Fabr., Erichs., Steph. Man.
— interruptus, Panz., Aube.
— hyalinus, Marsh., Steph.
2. L. hyalinus, Degeer, Erichs., Steph. Man.
— minutus, Marsh., Steph. 111., Aube.
— obscurus, Panz.
Genus Agabus, Leach, Erichs.
1. A. agilis, Fabr., Erichs., Steph. Man.
— oblongus, 111., Gyll., Steph. 111., Aube.
Dy. haemorrhoidalis, Fabr., var.
— ruficollis, Schaller.
V 2 U
1894 Insects.
2. A. arcticus, Payk., Gyll., Steph.
3. A. guttatus, Payk., Gyll., Steph., Aube.
4. A. fontinalis, Steph. 111.
— guttatus, var., Steph. Man.
— vittiger, Steph., not Gyll., Aube.
This species is distinguished from the preceding by its more elongated shape, and
especially by the upper claw of the anterior feet of the male, which has at its base a
strong tooth, whiie it is simple in H. guttatus. Perhaps this species is the A. bigut-
tatus, Oliv., Aube, but not finding that striking character mentioned in Aube's
description, and not being able to compare at present a foreign specimen, I must
leave this question undecided.
5. A. chalconotus, Panz., 111., Gyll., Steph., Aube, &c.
— cyaneus, Steph. 111., var.
— montanus, Steph.
— nigro-aeneus, Marsh., Steph., not Erichs.
— aterrimus, Steph.
This species varies both in size and colour. The A. montanus, Steph., seems to
me to be only a small variety ; the A. nigro-aeneus are immature specimens, and dis-
tinct from the species described under the same name by Erichson.
6. A. affinis, Payk., Gyll., Steph., Sturm, Erichs., Aube.
Col. branchiatus, Babington, Steph.
All the specimens which I have seen in different collections under the name of
Col. branchiatus, Babington, belong to this species.
7. A. paludosus, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., &c.
— striolatus, Steph., not Gyll.
The A. striolatus, Steph., is an abnormal specimen of this species, and distinct
from A. striolatus, Gyll., Aube.
8. A. congener, Payk., Gyll., Steph., Erichs., Aube.
— confinis, Steph., not Gyll.
9. A.femoralis, Payk., Gyll., Steph., Sturm, Erichs., Aube.
— assimilis, Sturm, Aube.
10. A. uliginosus, Payk., Gyll., Sturm, Erichs., Aube.
11. A. abbreviatus, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube, &c.
12. A. maculatus, Linn., Fabr., Steph., Aube, &c.
13. A. vitreus, Payk.
— didymus, Oliv., Aube.
14. A. bipunctatus, Fabr., Gyll., Aube, &c.
— nebulosus, Forst., Steph.
15. A. conspersus, Marsh., Steph., Hornung.
— subnebulosus, Steph., Aube.
16. A. brunneus, Fabr., Aube, Steph. Man.
Dy. castaneus, Sch.
Co. ferrugineus, Steph. 111.
17. A. Sturmii, Schonh., Gyll., Steph., Aube, &c.
18. A. bipustulatus, Linn., Fabr., Steph., Aube, &c.
— carbonarius, Fabr., Gyll., Sturm, &c.
Var. Co. Snowdonius, Newm., Steph. 111.
The Colymbetes consobrinus, Curtis, the type of which exists in the collection of
Insects. 1895
the Zoological Society, has been erroneously given as a British insect ; it is a native
of the Cape of Good Hope (v. Steph. Man.)
I have not ventured to introduce A. serricornis, Payk., into the above list of the
genus Agabus, as I have not seen any specimen of it undoubtedly British.
Genus Ilybius, Erichs.
1. I. ater, Degeer, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., &c.
Ag. quadrinotatus ? Steph.
Mr. Stephens has described his Ag. quadrinotatus from some unnamed specimens
in the British Museum. The only specimens still existing in that collection, to which
he can have alluded, belong decidedly to I. ater ; one of them is somewhat immature,
and therefore not so black as the common specimens of ater ; the two red spots on
the crown described by Mr. Stephens are very conspicuous. It appears that Mr. Ste-
phens has attributed to them too small a size (4^ lines) ; they measure 6 lines.
2. J. obscurus.
Col. obscurus, Marsh., Steph.
II. quadriguttatus. Lacord., Erichs., Aube.
3. I. fenestrates, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube.
Ag. subaeneus, Steph.
Dyt. lacustris, Fabr.
I am very much in doubt if the I. subseneus, Erichs., is a species really distinct
from fenestratus.
4. I. gultiger, Gyll., Steph., Erichs., Aube.
5. /. angustior, Gyll., Steph., Erichs., Aube.
6. /. uliginosus, Linn. (Mus. Linn.)
— fuliginosus, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube.
Dyt. lacustris, Panz.
According to both the collection and description of Linne, this is the true Dyt. uli-
ginosus of that author.
Genus Colymbetes, Clairville.
1. C.fuscus, Linn. (Mus. Linn.), Fabr., Gyll., Sturm., Erichs., Steph.
— striatus, Aube, Steph. Man.
— Paykulli, Steph. Man.
Neither the true C. striatus, Linn., Erichs. (Bogemanni, Gyll., Aube), nor the C.
Paykulli, Erichs. (striatus, Payk., Gyll.), have hitherto been found in Great Britain.
All the specimens in Mr. Stephens's collection belong to the above species.
2. C. pulverosus, Steph., Sturm, Erichs.
— conspersus, Gyll., Aube.
3. C. notatus, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube, &c.
4. C. exoletus, Forst., Steph.
— collaris, Payk., Gyll., Erichs., Aube.
5. C. bistriatus, Bergstr., Erichs., Aube, Steph. Man.
— agilis, Payk., Gyll., Steph. 111., Aube.
6. C. adspersus, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube, &c.
7. C. Grapii, Gyll., Steph., Erichs., Aube.
— niger, Lacord.
1890 Insects.
Genus Hydaticus, Leach.
1. H. transversalis, Fabr., Panz., Steph., &c.
2. H. Hybneri, Fabr., Oliv., Steph., &c.
3. H. stagnalis, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., &c.
4. H. cinereusy Payk., Gyll., Curt., Steph., &.c.
In Linne 's collection three different insects are confounded under the name of
Dy. cinereus, viz., H. zonatus, Hoppe, H. bilineatus, Degeer, and the female of
Acilius sulcatus.
Genus Dytiscus, Linne.
1. D. circumcinctus, Ahrens, Gyll., Steph., Stunn, Aube, Erichs.
2 var. elytris sulcatis : D. dubius, Gyll., Aube.
D. angustatus, Steph.
2. D. marginalis, Linne, &c.
— submarginalis, Steph. 111.
$ var. elytris lsevibus: D. conformis, Kunze, Steph., Aube.
3. D. eircumflexus, Fabr., &c.
$ var. elytris sulcatis : D. perplexus, Aube.
The three preceding species have two forms of females, one with smooth, the other
with sulcated elytra. Of D. circumcinctus the smooth females are the commoner, the
sulcated the rarer ones; of D. marginalis both forms are nearly equally common ; of
D. eircumflexus the continental females are smooth, the sulcated, described by Dr. Aube
under the name of D. perplexus, being exceedingly scarce ; the British females of this
species which I have seen are, on the contrary, all sulcated. Some authors think that
the smooth and sulcated females belong to different species ; and the Rev. W. Kirby
has even divided them into the genera Leionotus and Dytiscus, the former including
the species with smooth, the latter those with sulcated elytra ; but as the males are per-
fectly alike, and as the same discrepancy among the females has now been observed in
four European species (the three above named and D. lapponicus), and as two forms of
females occur also in some species of Hydroporus (H. picipes, erythrocephalus and
unistriatus, one with shining, the other with an opaque and more fiuely punctured sur-
face), I think the opinion of Erichson, which I have followed, may be considered as
sufficiently established.
4. D. punctulatus, Fabr., &c.
5. D. dimidiatus, Bergstr., &c.
Genus Cybisteb, Curtis.
1. C. Rceseliiy Fabr., &c.
Genus Acilius, Leach.
1. A. sulcatus, Linn, &c.
— scoticus, Steph. 111., var.
2. A.fasciatus, Degeer, Erichs., Steph. Man.
— canaliculars, Nicolai, Steph., Aube.
— caliginosus, Curtis.
— sulcipennis, Sahib.
Insects. 1897
Genus Gyrinus, Geoff.
1. G. marinus, Gyll., Ahr., Erichs., Aube, Suffr.
— natator, Fabr., not Linn.
— aeneus, Steph., var. major, not Aub.
— aeratus, Steph., var. minor.
— dorsalis, Gyll., var.
The G. aeratus, Steph., seems to be only a very small variety of marinus.
2. G. natator, Linn. (Mus. Linn.), Gyll., Steph., Aube.
— mergus, Ahrens, Erichs., Suffr.
Var. G. natator, Ahrens, Suffr.
— substriatus, Steph.
— cercurus, Schiodte.
The G. natator, Ahrens, Suffr., substriatus, Steph., is a variety, in which the series
of punctures on the elytra have nearly disappeared. There exists a regular gradation
from these to the typical natator, Linn., mergus, Ahr.
3. G. minutus, Fabr., &c.
4. G. bicolor, Payk., Gyll., Curtis, Steph.
— angustatus, Aube, var.
The British specimens belong to the variety with the sternum and tip of the abdo-
men red : this has been described by Aube under the name of G. angustatus ; in the
typical specimens these parts are black.
5. G. urinator, Illig., Aube.
— lineatus, Steph.
Genus Orectochilus, Eschscholtz.
1. O. villosus, Fabr., Gyll., Steph., Aube.
Gy. Modeeri, Marsh.
H. Schaum.
September 16, 1847.
On the occurrence of Insects at the Salterns. — Whilst returning from Dorchester to
London, on the 19th of June, I took the opportunity of remaining two days at Ly-
mington, in Hampshire, for the purpose of examining the Salterns. The time was
too short to admit of my gaining anything like an accurate knowledge of the insects
which are found there ; nevertheless a short notice of such species as did come beneath
my observation may not be altogether unacceptable. It is singular that such a re-
markable locality, in such an accessible neighbourhood, should be so little visited by
entomologists ; for I am perfectly convinced, from what I saw of its Coleoptera, that
there are few districts in England, if any, which would more amply repay the labours
of a thorough investigation. I here, for the first time in my life, took the very local
and interesting Berosus spinosus, which, in the stagnant waters of the old brine-pits,
may be met with in tolerable abundance. Under small stones, and on the mud of the
excavations, which are half dry, that very beautiful little insect, Notaphus ephippium,
1898 Insects.
so much prized throughout Europe for its rarity, was in actual profusion ; in company
with which, the minute Tachys scutellaris and Anthicus humilis were scarcely less
abundant. In the same localities, though more sparingly, I met with Pogonus Burrelii,
chalceus and littoralis, which, together with Notaphus ustulatus and Lopha pusilla,
might be seen running in and out of the crevices formed by the heat of the sun upon
the mud ; while a few drags of my sweeping-net brought to light Octhebius marinus
and hibernicus, by hundreds, from the brackish waters of the surrounding pools. The
Hemiptera were also tolerably abundant, particularly the large Acanthia littoralis,
which made itself excessively conspicuous by bounding over the flats. The commoner
insects I need scarcely mention ; suffice it to observe that many of them, such as Dys-
chirius gibbus, Adelosia picea, and Aphodius hsemorrhoidalis, were exceedingly nume-
rous : and I can only repeat what I before stated, that I know of no district in England
on so small a scale which would be more likely to produce a greater number of novel-
ties, or which would more amply repay the exertions of an entomological investigation.
— T. Vernon Wollaston; Jesus College, Cambridge, August 1, 1847.
Capture of Lymnceum areolatum in North Wales. — I have great pleasure in record-
ing the capture of this very rare and interesting little insect, about a dozen specimens
of which were taken by myself at Bettws-y-coed, in North Wales, during the last week
in July. Its habits are precisely the same as those of its generic brother, nigro-
piceum, which Mr. Dawson has captured so abundantly in the Isle of Wight, and
which I have myself taken, while in company with him, in the same locality. At the
junction of the River Llugwy with the Conway there is a small shingly beach, sloping
for about three feet, at an angle of 45°, to the edges of the stream. Whilst searching
there for Tachypus striatus and some species of Peryphi (three of which — atro-caeruleus,
nigro-aeneus and tibialis — are excessively abundant), I was fortunate enough to secure
a specimen of Lymnaeum areolatum, basking under a stone. For a week I visited the
same spot incessantly, and, though I searched most assiduously for hours together, I
could procure in all only about a dozen specimens. They inhabit the moist shingle,
and seldom come to the surface, except now and then during the heat of the day, when
they may be seen occasionally just to expose themselves to view, and dart down again
with the rapidity of lightning. Their minute size, added to the excessive quickness
of their movements, renders it exceedingly difficult to secure them, even when seen, —
for unless they are pounced upon immediately, in an instant they are gone, and are
almost sure to be lost amongst the shingle. If I am not mistaken, the only recorded
instance of its occurrence in this country was on Dudden Sands, near Broughton, in
Lancashire, where it was captured many years ago by Mr. Dale, of Glanville's Woot-
ton.— Id., August 28, 1847.
Extraordinary Quantity of Coccinella. — In walking out into a part of Romney
Marsh, in the neighbourhood of this town, I was surprised to observe vast multitudes
of an insect that we used familiarly to call lady-birds : they covered the ground more
or less for the whole of my walk, climbing up everything that rose perpendicularly
therefrom, being especially thick near and upon the wooden posts and rails used to
fence off the property in the marsh. It was and had been blowing rather a stiff
breeze from the east and north-east ; and I noticed that these insects chose the side
most sheltered from the wind, getting into and filling all chasms and cracks in the
wood, and always especially numerous on the top of the posts, giving them the ap-
pearance of being studded with brass-headed nails. Imagine this for miles, and then
some estimate may be formed of their countless multitudes. Perhaps some of the
Insects. 1899
contributors to the ? Zoologist ' may be able to throw light on the extraordinary move-
ments of these little insects. — William Allen ; Rye, Sussex, \bth of 8lh mo., 1847.
Extraordinary Flight of Coccinellee. — " Between four and six o'clock on Thursday
evening, a long cloud, reaching some few miles across the sea, was observed by many
hundred spectators from the heights of Kamsgate and Margate, bending its course to
our southern coast, from the direction of Calais and Ostend, but which had more the
appearance of a long column of smoke from a steamer on a calm day ; but about ten
o'clock in the evening the excitement was intensely increased by the remaining prome-
naders on the several promenades and cliffs of the above places being literally covered
with lady-birds. Thus many of those persons who had been most exposed, on their
return to their homes, found themselves not only enveloped with this compact little
shell insect, but so regularly dotted on the clothes, that it had the appearance of a
scale armour. At an early hour in the morning, the whole of the line of coast was
found to be covered with them, to the great annoyance of all parties ; and in order to
give the reader a correct idea of the extent and quantity of these unwelcome settlers,
five bushels were swept from the Margate Pier, and nearly the same from that of
Ramsgate Harbour. To walk on them might be readily compared to walking on
snow on a frosty day.. The locality whence they first took flight remains at present
unknown."
" Brighton was swarmed with lady-birds on Saturday and Sunday. They were
crushed by thousands upon the pavement of the Grand Parade and the adjoining
streets; whilst the houses, the fences, and even the clothes of all pedestrians were
dotted over by the tawny strangers. Children were seen gathering them up for
amusement literally in handfuls, A similar swarm visited Brighton about seven years
ago, and a slighter visitation of the same kind was experienced three years since."
" A correspondent at Southend writes : — ' On Friday the whole of the coast around
Southend was visited by one of the most numerous flights of insects on record. They
consisted of at least five species of lady-bird, and they came in such dense numbers,
as for miles along the coast to resemble a swarm of bees during hiving. The sea
destroyed countless millions of them ; the grass and hedgerows, and every crevice that
afforded shelter from the wind, were coloured with their numbers, and for many miles
it was impossible to walk without crushing numbers beneath the tread. The insects
evidently came from the east, the wind having veered round to that point during the
night. Every true friend of agriculture, however, hails the appearance of these in-
sects, as they are well known to be the destroyers of Aphides, a race of flies the most
injurious to vegetation.' " — Times.
Migrations of Insects. — Lest by any chance it should have escaped your notice, I
enclose an extract from the ' Times' of August 16th, 1847 [reprinted above], which
gives a very interesting account of a huge swarm of lady-birds, which were actually
seen coming in the direction of the French or Belgian coast some hours before they
arrived on our shores. Migrations, in large bodies, of Aphides, flies, locusts, and other
insects, are common, but this peculiarly well-observed and enormous emigration of
Coccinellee from the Continent is well worthy of note. The believers in Mr. Smee's
theory of the cause of the potato disease may congratulate the country on this arrival
of destroyers of the destroyer. The Aphides being a race endowed with such very mi-
gratory instincts, we are not surprised to find that their parasites are obliged to shift
their quarters also. If it should appear that the hops in Kent are peculiarly infested
with blight next year, how wonderful would this friendly arrival from a distant land
1900 Insects.
seem to be ! Migratory flights of butterflies, and of various species, have often been
observed. Swarms of white butterflies have been actually seen to arrive at Dover.
Can we doubt that the Sphinx Convolvuli, as well as the locusts of last year, the
Colias Hyale of two or three years before, the Vanessa Antiopa of some score of years
since, and also the occasional specimens of Antiopa, of Pontia Daplidice, of Argyn-
nis Lathonia, and perhaps even of Papilio Podalirius, are arrivals from the Continent ?
Might we not even extend this to Colias Edusa, and consider it a more regular immi-
grant ? Nay the common Cynthia Cardui is a notoriously migratory butterfly, not
even fearing to cross the snows of the highest Alps. Now, are these butterflies of pe-
riodical appearance on the Continent ? I believe not. The freshness of the specimens is
a common argument against their having come from a distance, and it seems a good
one, though an insect perpetually in the air is less likely to be damaged than one
blown about amongst leaves and flowers. I do not mean though that in every instance
the specimens themselves have come from abroad ; perhaps their parents were the ori-
ginal settlers. Colias Hyale decreased in numbers for two or three years before it
disappeared : so of Papilio Machaon, of which I turned out great quantities in Not-
tinghamshire and Derbyshire : a few specimens were seen in two succeeding years,
till under the pressure of unfavourable conditions of life they finally disappeared.
The appearance of all these insects only, or most abundantly, on the east coast, whilst
they gradually became rarer towards the west, is another strong point. Can I suppose
that a single worn female of Colias Hyale, which I found on a Derbyshire hill the
first year of their abundant appearance in England, was anything but an immigrant ?
But I have perhaps already said too much on this doubtful and mysterious subject, for
there is much that might be alleged on the other side of the question, which it would
be tedious to enter into, and unnecessary in the present imperfect state of our know-
ledge.— J. Wolley, Jun.; Beeston, August 17, 1847.
Occurrence of the Locust at Newcastle-on-Tyne. — A specimen of Locusta migratoria
was taken on our town moor, and brought to me this evening. — T. J. Bold ; 42, Bigg
Market, Newcastle-on-Tyne , August 24, 1847.
Occurrence of the Locust near York. — I have just received a very fine specimen of
the locust, captured near York on the 26th instant. — Frederick Bond ; Kingsbury ',
August 28, 1847.
Occurrence of the Locust at Redcar. — Yesterday I picked up on the beach at this
place twelve drowned locusts, and saw many others in the same state. Three were
also captured on the sand-hills, and others seen very alert on the wing.— T'. S. Rudd ;
Redcar, August 20, 1847.
Reappearance of the Locust. — A few specimens of the locust have occurred in the
neighbourhood of London within the last few days, but both near London and in the
provinces the number is decidedly less than last year. I hope communications on
this subject will be transmitted as early as possible, in order that they may appear si-
multaneously in the November number. It is very desirable to keep a faithful record
of these unusual visitations. The specific identity of our locust with the Gryllus mi-
gratorius of the Continent is not satisfactorily made out. Mr. Bracy Clark has
obligingly handed me Egyptian specimens which are evidently distinct. — Edward
Newman.
Quadrupeds. 1901
Otter breeding in the Gardens of the Zoological Society. — " The female otter was
presented to the Society by Lady Kolle, on the 4th of February, 1840, being apparently
at that time about three months old. She remained without a male till the 11th of
March, 1846, when a large male was presented to the Society by the Rev. P. M.
Brunwin, of Braintree, Essex, in whose possession it had been for some months, and
had been kept in a cellar. His weight when first taken was 21 lbs., but he was not
above half that weight when he arrived at the Gardens, having wasted much in con-
finement and become very weak in the loins, from which he soon recovered after his
arrival. About a month after his arrival there was a continual chatteriDg between
him and the female during the night, which lasted for four or five nights ; but they
did not appear to be quarrelling. Nothing further was observed in their manners or
in the appearance of the female to make me think she was with young, until the
morning of the 13th of August, when the keeper that has the charge of them went to
give them a fresh bed, which he does once a week : while in the act of pulling out the
old bed he observed two young ones, apparently five or six days old, and about the
size of a full-grown rat ; he immediately put back the bed, with the young on it, and
left them. On the 21st the mother removed them to the second sleeping-den, at the
other end of their enclosure, and several times after she was observed to remove them
from one end of the house to the other, by pushing them before her on a little straw ;
her object in removing them appeared to be to let them have a dry bed: on the 9th
of September they were first seen out of the house ; they did not go into the water,
but crawled about, and appeared very feeble.
" On the 26th of September they were first seen to eat fish, and follow the mother
into the water : they did not dive into the water like the mother, but went into it like
a dog, with their head above water ; and it was not until the middle of October that
they were observed to plunge into the water like the old ones. On the 22nd of De-
cember the water was let out of the pond for the purpose of cleaning it, which is done
once a week : the animals were shut up in their sleeping-den, but they let themselves
out when the pond was but half-full of water, and the young ones got into it and were
not able to get out without assistance t after they had been in the water some minutes
the mother appeared very auxious to get them out, and made several attempts to reach
them from the side of the pond where she was standing ; but this she was not able to
do, as they were not within her reach. After making several attempts in this manner
without success, she plunged into the water to them, and began to play with one of
them for a short time, and put her head close to its ears, as if she was making it un-
derstand what she meant; the next moment she made a spring out of the pond, with
the young one holding on by the fur at the root of the tail with its teeth ; having
safely landed it, she got the other out in the same manner : this she did several times
during a quarter of an hour, as the young ones kept going into the water as fast as
she got them out. Sometimes the young held on by the fur at her sides, at others by
that at the tail. As soon as there was sufficient water for her to reach them from the
side of the pond, she took hold of them by the ears with her mouth and drew them out
of the pond, and led them round the pond close to the fence, and kept chattering to
them, as if she was telling them not to go into the pond again." — ' Proceedings of the
Zoological Society? No. clxx., -p. 27.
2x
1902 Quadrupeds.
Extracts from Couch's ' Illustrations of Instinct, !
[This little book appears to me to have received an unfortunate title. I should
describe it as a common-place book of Natural-History incidents, interspersed with
certain moral, philosophical and theological observations, the connexion between which
and the incidents is not very obvious. Besides excellent anecdotes and histories
penned from the author's own observations, we have others by Rusticus, Waterton,
Yarrell, &c. We hope Mr. Couch may be called on for a second edition, and that he
will see the propriety of omitting much reasoning that is not to the point, arranging
the sound matter zoologically or alphabetically, and leaving the words ' Instinct ' and
1 British ' out of his title-page. — Edward Newman.]
Neivfoundland Dog preying on Crabs. — " The modes employed by dogs of different
races in capturing and devouring the crab, and especially that pugnacious species the
velvet crab (Portunus puber), well illustrate the experience which has become propa-
gated in the breed, over the ignorance of the uninitiated. On the first discovery of
the prey, a terrier runs in to seize it, and is immediately and severely bitten in the
nose. But a sedate Newfoundland dog of my acquaintance proceeds more soberly in
his work. He lays his paw on it, to arrest it in its escape : then tumbling it over, he
bares his teeth, and, seizing it with the mouth, throws the crab aloft : it falls upon
the stones : the shell is cracked beyond redemption ; and then the dainty dish is de-
voured at his leisure." — p. 179.
Anecdote of a Cat. — " There was, within my knowledge, in the house of my parent-
age, a small cupboard, in which were kept milk, butter, and other requisites for the
tea table ; and the door was confined with a lock, which, from age and frequent use,
could be easily made to open. To save trouble, the key was always kept in the lock,
in which it revolved on a very slight impulse. It was often a subject of remark that
the door of this cupboard was found wide open, and the milk or butter greatly di-
minished, without any imaginable reason, and notwithstanding the persuasion that the
door had certainly been regularly locked ; but it was accident that led to the detection
of the offender. On watching carefully, the cat was seen to seat herself on the table ;
and, by repeated patting on the side of the bow of the key, it was at last made to turn,
when a slight pull on the door caused it to move on its hinges. It had proved a for-
tunate discovery for puss for a long time before she was taken in the fact." — p. 196.
Anecdote of a Cat and Weasel. — " It would be as easy to catch a weasel asleep as
off its guard ; but it seems still more unlikely that, in the disguise of death, it should
suffer itself to be cuffed, and pawed, and handled with impunity by a cat : yet it so
happened that, while puss was reclining at ease, seemingly inattentive to all the world
around her, a weasel came unexpectedly up, was seized in a moment, and, dangling
from her teeth as if dead, was thus carried to the house at no great distance. The
door being shut, puss, deceived by its apparent lifelessness, laid her victim on the
step, while she gave her usual mewing cry for admittance. But by this time the
active little creature had recovered its recollection, and in a moment struck its teeth
into its enemy's nose. It is probable that, besides the sudden surprise of the capture,
the firm grasp which the cat had of it round the body had prevented any earlier effort
at resistance from the weasel ; for in this manner our smaller quadrupeds, which bite
so fiercely, may be held without injury ; but the weasel can hardly be supposed to have
been practising a deception all the while it was in the cat's mouth."— p. 203.
Quadrupeds. 1903
Habits of the Mole.—f" The habits of the mole will vary with the soil, and particu-
larly with the structure of the ground, as it is rich and deep, or shallow, level, rocky,
uneven, or intersected with raised mounds, or hedges of earth five or six feet high,
and of the same thickness, such as divide fields in the West of England. / The pre-
sence of this animal is known by the heaps of fine earth, or hills, thrown up during
its subterranean operations : in deep ground little of its labours can be traced, except
when thus marked ; but in a thin soil, or in hard ground, a ridge is often driven along,
which is distinctly raised above the ordinary level of the surface; and the mole-hill is
only elevated where the earth is so fine and friable, that the removal of some part of
it is necessary, to give the creature a clear course in its runs backward and forward.
The creep or run is in a zigzag direction ; and when the neighbourhood is very pro-
ductive of its prey, exceedingly so, as if the animal was unwilling to pass out of so
fertile a district. But for the most part it takes a straightforward course ; and in the
open space of a down, it passes through more than fifty paces of distance without lift-
ing a heap, with a progress amounting to two or three human paces in a day, and the
whole run is two hundred feet in length. In the course of this passage, advantage is
taken of any obstructions which occur, as if conscious of the probability of pursuit ;
and the run is made to pass among the roots of dwarf furze, and even under a large
stone, while, at irregular distances, openings are made, to allow of excursions on the
surface, and the free admission of air. I There are many lateral branches from the
principal passage, but none of them extend to any great distance ; for it seems wisely
to avoid forming such a labyrinth as might confound itself in its daily course, or in
its efforts to escape from an enemy,! to whose depredations it is exposed even in its re-
treat, jits time of labour is chiefly at an early hour in the morning ;|but if everything
be still it may be seen at work at other seasons. The slightest sound or movement of
an approaching foot stops the work, and no further lifting of the earth will be attempted
that day. These runs are mostly made towards the end of autumn ; are this creature's
hunting-grounds for food ; are abandoned when the soil has been thoroughly searched
through and through ; and though they are formed with so much toil as to make it
desirable not to desert it while there is anything to be done there, yet in a month or
two the animal quits it for new ground, perhaps at a great distance, where the hunting
promises better success.
" A favourite spot for its winter-quarters, and one it prefers at other seasons, is in
enclosed fields, under the shelter of a hedge of high-piled earth, along the middle of
whose base the run is carried, and in whose mass of mould it finds security from cold
and from its natural enemies. The heaps it throws up are cast on the sides, and at
intervals a lateral passage is driven into the field, to which, when the inducement is
powerful, it transfers its principal operations ; and there encounters its greatest hazards
from the traps of the mole-catcher, and the pursuit of the weasel and the rat, with
whom it fights furiously, but without success. / When undisturbed, the mole often
shifts its quarters; and in making a new selection, its choice seems to be much influ-
enced by caprice. It makes these changes especially in the months of July and
August ; but I have known it to take excursions of removal to such distances, that no
mark of its presence could be detected, in the month of January, if an open and moist
season. A large part of such a journey must be along the surface ; and it is probable
that at all times this is its mode of emigration to distant places. In summer much of
its time is thus passed in migrations from one field to another, because the hardness
of the ground renders it difficult to throw up the soil, and follow up the worms, which
1904 Quadrupeds.
have sunk deeper down into the soil : it shows the same love of change in moist wea-
ther, when the ground is more workable ; and the practice indeed seems a periodical
variation of habit, common to it with the shrews (Sorex), which also are inhabitants
of burrows, and to all which species it seems essential to health. )
" If not to its mind, the mole repeatedly changes its quarters ; and though shut up
in darkness, it reluctantly continues on the northern declivity of a hill, where it has
little light and less heat, unless its other advantages are unusually great. Its migra-
tion from one district to another exposes it to great danger, as it is slow to escape, and
little prepared to defend itself. The opening of a new track is often concealed in a
heap of the soil which has been brought up from the interior ; and at times it is firmly
blocked up from within, but I have seen it left carelessly open. It is by these en-
trances that the weasel, the rat, and the larger vole (Arvicola amphibia) sometimes
enter, and are themselves taken in the trap.
" The run is differently formed in spring, in consequence of a difference of object.
Where fields are not large, the hedge is still the selected spot ; on which account its
nest is not often discovered. Mr. Bell has given a sketch of the skilful arrangements
made for its safety at this time ; but in districts where the hedge is chosen for defence,
no other departure from its usual form is made than an enlargement of the space, and
a more comfortable lining. \ Fourteen young ones have been discovered in one nest;
but, though the mole is not a social animal, it is hard to believe that they could have
been littered by one mother. %
" The mole may sleep more in winter than in other seasons, but it is not its habit
to become torpid at this time. In frost and snow, fine earth is often seen freshly
turned up as evidence of its activity ; but, as it is a creature of great voracity, and
cannot endure long fasting, like many wild animals of that character, it is not easy to
say how its wants are at this time supplied. A dead or living bird, numbed with the
cold, is always a welcome morsel ; but its track has not been seen in the snow in pur-
suit of it. It perceives the earliest approach of a thaw ; and, after long seclusion, a
heap may be seen protruding through the thin covering of snow as evidence of its
sensibility to change of temperature : a circumstance more easily understood when we
recollect that it is the radiation of heat from the inner parts of the earth which exer-
cises the first influence in the change ; and that it is because the air abstracts this
heat more rapidly than the earth supplies it, that frost and snow are produced and
continued. When, from changes in the atmosphere, this rapid abstraction ceases, the
heat below becomes more sensibly felt ; and this is first visible at the surface of the
soil.
| " A good supply of drink is essential to the mole's existence; and its healthy con-
dition is marked by a softness and moisture about the snout, where its most perfect
organ of sensation is placed. The flexibility of that organ, and its command over it,
are indeed exquisite ; but it is not used in the operations of excavation and lifting.
This is the work of the feet, neck, and the hinder part of the shoulder ; and in these
parts the mole is perhaps the strongest quadruped in existence, in proportion to its
size. The heaps it throws up are not made simply by lifting ; for the superfluous
earth is collected at easy distances, and thrust along, until so much is accumulated as
compels it to convey it out of the way, and then its work in tunnelling goes on again. I
" The mole has more enemies than it is supposed to have ; for though its disap-
pearance from a district is sometimes due to emigration, there must be other causes at
work to account for their extirpation in particular localities. They may destroy each
Quadrupeds — Birds. 1905
other in their burrows, for they are exceedingly quarrelsome : the fox and weasel too
are formidable foes; but the ceaseless war waged against them by man, the least ex-
cusable enemy they have, is the most destructive. Admitting that mole-heaps, and
loosening of the soil by the runs made through a field, are inconveniences, and even
injurious; and that it is unsightly to see a gentleman's lawn disfigured with these tu-
muli : but such annoyances may be either removed or turned to advantage ; and it
must not be forgotten that their destruction of more injurious creatures is consider-
able. If it is desirable to expel them from their haunts, it may be done effectually
without destroying them ; for their extirpation is sure to be followed by a fresh inva-
sion. \ Evelyn says that they may be driven away by placing garlick in their runs ;
and perhaps assafcetida would be still more potent, if they must be drugged.'' — f
p. 276.
Anecdotes of Mice. — " A similar action to that of the fox has been observed in a
little animal, to which it is not common to ascribe more than an ordinary degree of
cunning or confidence in its own resources. In a bookcase of wainscot, impervious to
light, in which articles were kept which were more agreeable to the taste of mice than
books, when, at midday, the doors were suddenly opened, a mouse was seen on one of
the shelves ; and so rivetted was the little creature to the spot, that it showed all the
signs of death, not even moving a limb when taken into the hand. On another occa-
sion, on opening a parlour-door, in broad daylight, a mouse was seen fixed and mo-
tionless in the middle of the room ; and, on advancing towards it, its appearance in no
way differed from that of a dead animal, excepting that it had not fallen over on its
side. Neither of these creatures made an effort to escape, and were taken up at leisure ;
nor had they received any hurt or injury, for they soon displayed every mark of being
alive and well."— p. 202.
Anecdote of an Owl. — " A brown owl (Strix aluco) had long been in the occupation
of a convenient hole in a hollow tree ; and in it for several years had rejoiced over ils
progeny, with hope of the pleasure to be enjoyed in excursions of hunting in their
company : but, through the persecutions of some persons on the farm, who had watched
the bird's proceedings, this hope had been repeatedly disappointed, by the plunder of
the nest at the time when the young ones were ready for flight. On the last occasion,
an individual was ascending to their retreat, to repeat the robbery, when the parent
bird, aware of the danger, grasped her only young one in her claws, and bore it away;
and never more was the nest placed in the same situation." — p. 244.
Nesting of the Martin. — " In nest-building the martin (Hirundo urbica) manifests
more confidence in man than any of the feathered tribes. Their time for working in
the erection of these clay tenements is in the early part of the day, so that the mortar
may have the benefit of the drying influence of the sun, the afternoon being employed
in hawking after food. But in a situation near the sea, which was covered by the
tide at their usual time for labour, these birds have exercised so much reflection on
the natural phenomena of the ebb and flow of the tide, as to employ the morning in
collecting food, reserving their labour for the time when, they reasoned, their mate-
rials would be accessible to them. The mortar is conveyed in a pellet on the top of
the bill ; and they are careful not to hasten the structure too fast, lest its own weight,
while loaded with moisture, should bring it to the ground. An instance is remem-
bered where, from some such cause of suspicion as to the stability of the edifice, a
martin had recourse to the wonderful expedient of working in a straw, as a binding
beam along the curve of the structure ! The ends were, it seems, secured without dif-
1906 Birds.
ficulty, but the efforts of the little builder to bend down the arch formed by the rising
of the middle were in vain ; for, whenever the pressure was removed, it persisted in
maintaining its elasticity. The baffled bird glanced about, as if in contemplation of
the difficulty, and seemed ready to receive any suggestion which might be offered, till,
tired of watching the invariable result of so many efforts made in vain, the observer
walked on. Returning an hour or two afterwards, the little architect was observed to
have resorted to the only plan which could be effectual : he had left the ends free,
which thus projected a little from the mortar, and the structure was complete at last.''
—p. 215.
Aristocratic Taste of the Rook. — "The situation of the nest of the rook is, more
than that of any of its natural family, a matter of taste ; its position never being found
wild in the woods, although the whole colony, in very stormy weather, will quit the
ordinary roosting-trees to resort thither for shelter. The association of these birds in
the neighbourhood of a human habitation is clearly not, in the first place, for pro-
tection ; for however quick the feathered races are to discern a friendly feeling in the
human race, a cottage, though surrounded with trees, has no power to attract them,
while an aristocratic mansion in the Gothic style of building is irresistible ; and a rook
has been known to occupy a tree not higher than twenty feet from the ground, rather
than remove to a distance from so dignified a neighbourhood ; though there was no
bond of attachment arising from long association of affection, for the building in its
present condition is of no remote date." — p. 213.
Peculiar Trait in the Goldcrest. — " The little goldcrest (Regulus cristatus) is a timid
creature, and yet it will sometimes approach so near to a man as to appear indifferent
to his presence ; but this absence of apprehension seems to proceed rather from the in-
ability of its organs or its imagination to comprehend such a mass and mountain of
being as a man while standing still ; for if he put himself in motion, the bird flies
away in a fright at its utmost speed. When this pretty diminutive bird is on the
branch of a tree, if you strike the body of the branch with a stick or stone, though at
some distance from the twig on which it is perched, the shock brings it at once to the
ground, and it may be taken with the hand ; when, if time be allowed it, the bird soon
revives, and may, if you are humanely disposed, be again restored to liberty." —
p. 203.
Habit of the Guillemot. — "I have watched with much interest the proceedings of
this bird when capturing the stragglers of a school of young mullets (probably Mugil
chelo), and the admirable skill with which their dispersion was prevented, until a full
stomach had been secured. Jt is the nature of this bird, as well as of most of those
birds which habitually dive to take their prey, to perform all their evolutions under
water with the aid of their wings ; but, instead of dashing at once into the midst of
the terrified group of small fry, by which only a few would be captured, it passes round
and round them, and so drives them into a heap ; and thus has an opportunity of
snatching here one and there another, as it finds it convenient to swallow them ; and
if any one pushes out to escape, it falls the first prey of the devourer." — p. 192.
Habits of the Cormorant, Shag and Loom. — " It is amusing to observe the proceed-
ings of the cormorant, shag (Pelecanus carbo and P. graculus), and the looms (Colymbi),
in dealing with the refractory subjects which they sometimes fish up in the course of
their researches under water. If the prize be a crab, it is taken to the surface, and,
fully aware of the danger of attempting to swallow it whole, it is there dropped, and a
smart peck of the bill is made at the legs. These are either knocked off by the blow,
Birds. 1907
or the crab is induced to throw them off, according to the known practice of these
creatures when injured. Each of these is then seized and swallowed in succession ;
and the body, by this time become a mere lump, is gulped down last of all. A launce
or shanny, if caught across the mouth or held by the tail, is flung aloft, and caught
in a convenient posture as it falls. If the prey be a flounder or plaice, it is thrown on
the surface, and pecked so violently as to break or dislocate the firm arrangement of
transverse bones, and thus deprive the muscles of their strong contractile power, by
which so rigid an obstruction was thrown in the way of swallowing. It is then rolled
up into a cylinder, and easily disposed of. A close observer of nature informed me,
that his attention was directed to a cormorant, which appeared to be much distended
about the neck and throat ; but, while watching its proceedings, the bird discovered
his presence, and endeavoured to escape, by which means its attention became dis-
tracted, and an eel started from its jaws, and employed much active effort to effect its
retreat. Unwilling to lose so valuable a morsel, the bird pursued it, and was again
successful ; but it was not now in haste to ingulph its prey. Repeatedly and violently
did it peck the fish through the whole of its length, and then again it seized it across
its bill ; but, still finding it capable of too much activity, it continued to peck it, un-
til the whole of its powers of contortion were subdued, and there was no further risk
of its again effecting an escape from its dungeon."— p. 195.
A few Remarks on the Provincial Names of Birds. By the Rev. James Smith.
I perceive, from certain notices in your excellent and most useful publication, that
you are anxious to obtain the provincial names by which natural objects are known
throughout the various localities in the kingdom. A list of such names would, I con-
ceive, be of no inconsiderable importance to every naturalist. They will be found to
differ greatly in different districts ; and it no doubt frequently happens that a particu-
lar name is believed to indicate an animal hitherto unknown or unseen, which, by
another name used in another locality, would be immediately recognized as one of fa-
miliar, and perhaps daily, occurrence. In the parish, for example, where I reside, al-
though it is fully ten miles from the nearest part of the sea coast, the dunlin (Tringa
variabilis) comes up regularly to breed on an extensive tract of heath interspersed with
marshes, and is here, as well as in the adjoining parts of the country, universally known
by the name of the dorbie. At the sea coast, where it is said to breed, although I
have never seen a specimen of its egg, the purple sandpiper (Tringa marilima) obtains
the name of the blin, that is, the blind dorbie, from a seeming unconsciousness, which
it manifests, of approaching danger. The tract of heath already mentioned shows,
every now and then, a piece of ground destitute of vegetation, and covered all over
with small stones. I am informed by the older inhabitants, that formerly these spots
were frequented in the breeding-season by the ring dotterel (Charadrius Hiaticula).
This elegant little bird is, I am sorry to say, no longer to be seen here. It is common,
however, on all the low lying and sandy parts of the coast, and is widely known by the
name of sannie laverock, that is, sand lark. On a particular portion of the same
1908 Birds.
heathy tract, covered all over in summer with the white and conspicuous plant called
here the caVs tail, a few pairs of the curlew (Numenius arquata) are annually found
breeding. The provincial name of this conspicuous bird is in Scotland the whaup.
This name it has doubtless obtained from the note which it most commonly utters
during its abode by the sea-side. The two syllables, whaa-up, when pronounced by a
Scotchman, are, in reality, no bad imitation of that lengthened and peculiar whistle
which the curlew emits, on being disturbed, during the seasons of autumn and winter.
It appears to me that Mr. Yarrell is altogether mistaken in the observations which he
makes on the word whaup (British Birds, ii. 512), and that the name given to the gob-
lin, of whom he there speaks, was in reality adopted from that, by which the curlew
has been known in Scotland from time immemorial. Its cries during the period of
breeding are quite different, are very varied, and, in some cases, of a singular and in-
teresting nature. One of these is exactly cour-lee, showing that the French name,
courlis, is more appropriate than our own of curlew, which would seem to have been
formed from it. In the same part of this parish the golden plover (Charadrius pluvi-
alis) breeds annually in great numbers. It is known here by the simple name of
pliv-er. While engaged in incubation, and afterwards, when associated in flocks pre-
viously to their departure for the sea coast, the cries of these birds are varied and wild,
— most of them shrill, but some, on the contrary, warbling and not unmusical. One
of them is exactly imitated by the Scotch words shaw beer, that is, sow barley ; and,
when this well-known cry is first heard by the inhabitants, it is supposed to be an in-
timation to the husbandman that it is time for him to begin carrying that part of his
operations into effect. When in a flock, which sometimes about the beginning of
September amounts to a hundred birds and more, the evolutions of the plovers, as they
move through the air, are remarkably interesting and beautiful. They wheel about
in all directions, and often in regular segments of a circle. As in the case of many
of the shore birds, and especially of their congener the ring dotterel, or plover, their
backs, also, and their breasts are turned, in the most rapid manner, alternately to the
spectator; and an extended and most brilliant flash of white is immediately succeeded
by a more sombre shade of yellowish-brown. A rushing noise is, at the same time,
produced in the air by the quick and downward motion of their wings. In the same
locality, also, and during the evenings of spring, the air is rendered vocal by the sin-
gular noise produced by the snipe (Scolopax Gallinago), which is known by the name
of the mire-snipe, and sometimes by that of the heather bleater, from the goat-like
bleating which it raises while wheeling about in the air. This peculiar sound I have
never heard it produce, except when it was descending with great velocity, and in an
oblique direction. Here, moreover, are great numbers of the red grouse (Tetrao Scoti-
cus), which is familiarly known as the meer-hen, that is, the moor-hen. Two of the
notes, which are frequently uttered, and always in a bass key, by this interesting bird,
are exactly the same in sound as the Scotch words, come hame, that is, come home.
When sitting on her eggs, the red grouse is sometimes remarkably tame. On one oc-
casion, an individual, so occupied, allowed me not only to stand and look at her, but
to stoop down, and to scratch and stroke her back.
On the sea coast in the neighbouring parish of Gamrie, and at a particular part of
the magnificent cliffs by which the Moray Firth is there bounded, there is an extensive
breeding-place of those birds which are known by the name of sea-fowl. The species
frequenting this spot are the common guillemot (Uria Troile), or, as it is called in this
Birds. 1909
part of the country, the quect ; the black guillemot (Uria Grylle), or the testie ; the
razor-bill auk (Alca Tarda), or the cooler, the Scotch word for coulter, from the resem-
blance which there is between that part of a plough and the bill of the bird ; the puf-
fin {Fratercula arctica), or the Tammy Norie, and, on the coast farther to the south, at
the immense rock of Dumbye, the Tammy Chee/cie ; the kittiwake, a name made from
its cry (Larus tridaclylus), or the kittieweeik, or simply the kitty ; the herring gull
(Larus argentatus), or the pew-il, which name is an exact imitation of its quickly-re-
peated cry ; and the cormorant (Pelecanus Carbo), or the scrath, or scart. The num-
bers at this breeding- place are yearly growing less and less. This circumstance, which
is to be regretted, is, without doubt, to be principally, if not entirely, attributed to the
annoyance and destruction occasioned to these harmless and beautiful birds by parties,
as they are called, of pleasure, who repair to their abode almost daily during the sea-
son of incubation, and consider it as a harmless amusement wantonly to shoot them
by hundreds, and to leave them, dead or wounded, at the bottom of those rocks, of
which they ought ever to be regarded as a living, a conspicuous, and a most interest-
ing ornament. On the sandy open parts of the same coast the lesser tern (Sterna mi-
nuta) is known by the name of the clett, which expresses the peculiar cry by which the
bird is distinguished. A larger tern, the specific name of which I have not yet ascer-
tained, has obtained, on the sea coast near Peterhead, the name of the tearlie, a word
which is a most correct imitation of its usual cry. On the same coast, one of the
divers, probably the red-throated (Colymbus septentrionalis), which is the most com-
monly distributed of the genus, has, from its cries, derived the strange-sounding name
of harl loot. Among the marshy ground in the vicinity of the sea, and all along the
coast, is found the redshank (Totanus Calidris), which breeds abundantly, and which
is known by the name of the clee, from one of the notes uttered by it while on the
wing.
To come from trivial and provincial names, to what is termed scientific nomen-
clature. As a general remark, it would, I think, be desirable that the specific name
of an animal should, if possible, contain an allusion to some peculiarity, either in ap-
pearance, structure, or habits, by which the particular species is distinguished from all
the others, of which the genus that it belongs to may happen to be composed. On
this account, I have a most decided objection to all scientific names ending in oides ,•
and I am, therefore, sorry to see, by the Zoologist (Zool. 1778), that the name of Fu-
ligula ferinoides has been given to the newly-discovered pochard called after Mr.
Paget. The meaning, if it has any, of Fuligula ferinoides, is the Fuligula resembling
the ferina. But are not this pochard and the ferina each a distinct species, belong-
ing, both of them in an equally independent degree, to the genus Fuligula ? Why,
therefore, should the newly-discovered bird, if it is really a distinct species, be associ-
ated with a species which is already in existence ? And why, instead of being arranged
simply and independently by itself, under its proper genus, like all the others of which
that genus is composed, should it be degraded into a sort of inferior species, or satel-
lite, attending in the wake of its more fortunate companion, the ferina? The most
ludicrous name of this description which I have ever seen, is, if I recollect right, the
Kegulus Reguloides. This evidently must mean the Regulus having the appearance of
the Regulus, or, in other words, the Regulus which resembles itself. The bird must
surely have been named in Ireland. Nothing, it appears to me, is more calculated to
impede the progress of real knowledge in natural history than the rage which prevails
for reckless changes in nomenclature, and especially for the invention of such names
V 2 Y
1910 Birds.
as these. Could not some mark by which Paget's pochard is distinguished, such as
the small white bar across the wing, have been selected as the ground for a specific
appellation ?
James Smith.
Manse of Monquhitter by Turriff, Aberdeenshire,
September 21, 1847.
Occurrence of the Bar-tailed Godwit near Banff. — On the 3rd of this month there
was shot, on the sea shore near Banff, a specimen of the bar-tailed godwit, the Limosa
rufa of ornithologists. It was killed, and afterwards mounted, by Mr. Thomas Ed-
ward, an individual of whom I took the liberty to make mention on a former occasion
in the pages of the Zoologist. So far as I am aware, the bird in question had never
been before observed in this particular locality, nor indeed in this district of the coun-
try. As it is only of late, however, that anything like a taste for natural history has
been created in the public mind, it is quite possible, or rather it is probable, that its
occurrence here may have hitherto been overlooked. From the remarks of naturalists
it would appear that its line of migration is in general farther to the east. It was evi-
dently on its return from those high latitudes where it is understood to breed, no in-
stance of its nest having, as yet, been found in Britain. The tide was at the moment
receding ; and the bird was busily employed in following the waves, probing the wet
sand all the while with its bill. It uttered no cry, and appeared careless of danger.
It is a male, and exhibits an intermediate and interesting stale between the winter and
the summer plumage. The rich bay, which in the nuptial season adorns the breast,
has disappeared, and has given way to a pale, but delicate and beautiful, sand colour,
which in time would have been succeeded by the pure white of the garb of winter.
On the belly there is already a mixture of white along with the peculiar colour above
mentioned. The feathers on the back are brown, with an edging of pale rufous. The
bill is about two inches and a half in length, and, towards the extremity and at the
tip, has a decided curve upwards, forming in this manner a beautiful link in that par-
ticular structure of Nature, which, in the present class of birds, begins perhaps with
the greenshank, and obtains its full development in the singular configuration ex-
hibited by the bill of the avocet. — James Smith ; Manse of Monquhitter by Turriff,
Aberdeenshire, September 21, 1847.
Occurrence of the Avocet at the Land's End. — A specimen of this bird was sent to
this place for preservation, by James Trembath, Esq., last evening, near whose resi-
dence, within a mile of the Land's End, it was shot. It appears to be a young bird
of the year, from the lesser scapularies being deeply margined with dull rufous. This
bird is of very unusual occurrence in Cornwall, and I have never before the present
instance seen an example in the flesh. — Edward Hearle Rodd ; Penzance, September
14, 1847.
Fishes. 1911
The Sea Serpent. — Having seen much notice taken in the ' Zoologist ' of the ques-
tion of the great sea serpent, allow rne to subjoin an extract from the log-book of a
very near relative, dated August 1st, 1780, on hoard the ship ' General Coole,' in lat.
42° 44' N. and long. 23° 10' W. " A very large snake passed the ship ; it appeared
to he about 16 or 18 feet in length, and 3 or 4 feet in circumference, the hack of a
light ash colour, and the belly thereof yellow." According to the log the ship was
becalmed at the time. You may rely on the correctness of this, and any one desirous
of satisfying himself may see the original log. — S. H. Saxby ; Bonchurch, Isle of
Wight, September 8, 1847.
Nest of the Shanny attended by a Stickleback. — " In the month of May, 1845, I
obtained a nest formed of seaweeds, and in all respects like those which have already
been described ; and when it was discovered hanging from the rock, two individuals
of the fifteen-spined stickleback were in close attendance on it. As, on examination,
some of the ova were seen to be springing into life, much attention was paid in watch-
ing their development, which was gradual, and occupied several days, proceeding as
if the ova in different portions of the mass had been deposited at small intervals of
time. As the young moved about the vessel with much activity, they coveted the
shelter of some floating weed ; but descended eagerly to assail and tear such of their
brethren as died and fell to the bottom. Being from the first impressed with the con-
viction that they were the young of the fifteen-spined stickleback, I was much sur-
prised to notice the great difference of their shape from that of their supposed parent,
more especially in the parts before the eyes, which, instead of being elongated and
slender, were short and round. In consequence of this they were closely examined
with glasses, and drawn with the aid of a microscope of low power ; and though I
failed to detect satisfactorily the ventral fins of that fish (chiefly perhaps from their
slender form and transparency), yet, from the declivity of the head, protuberance of the
belly, the pectoral fin, and the length of the dorsal and anal fins, which in some spe-
cimens were continuous with the caudal, and in others separated by a slight notch, I
had no hesitation in referring them to the common shanny (Blennius pholis)" —
Couch's ' Illustrations of Instinct,'' p. 257.
Occurrence of the Sword-fish at Boston. — A specimen of the sword-fish (Xiphias
Gladius) was taken last month in the deeps off Boston, Lincolnshire. The sword
measured 2 feet 8 inches, and its total length was 8 feet 6 inches ; it weighed 8 stones
7 lbs. I have not been able to obtain the particulars of its capture, but it was bought
by the present owner for Ss. He has had it stuffed, and expects to obtain a good
price for it. I believe it is a very rare visitant upon these coasts. Yarrell says that
it was once taken in the Severn, where a man bathing was struck by it, and received
his death-wound. A dead one was found off the coast of Essex in 1834. One was
exhibited at Brighton in 1796, and another taken in Bridgewater river in 1834. I
believe it has never been taken off the coast of Norfolk. — E. E.Montford; East
Winch, near Lynn, Norfolk, September 13, 1847.
1912 Insects.
Notice of a ' List of British Lepidoptera, by Henry DoubledayS
It frequently happens that when a work has long been talked of, it disappoints us
at last : in the present instance the reverse is the case : nothing can be more carefully
compiled than the list before me, nothing more completely adapted to the purpose for
which it is intended. In the present unsettled state of generic nomenclature, the
author has adopted the wisest possible course, by placing three orfour of the more fa-
vourite generic names at the head of each group of three or four species which are
supposed to be allied to each other ; so that in cutting out these names for the purpose
of labelling a cabinet, the entomologist may exhibit his own taste, or the profoundness
of his own learning, by adopting the generic name that may be most agreeable to him.
Seeing that a genus is a scientific fiction, generic nomenclature must ever be unsettled,
and the more extended our researches, the more accurate our investigations, the greater
will be the number of genera, and the more confused and puzzling their application.
In species, on the contrary, however we may occasionally differ as to their limits, we
have an acknowledged guide ; we place under one specific name all those individuals
which, as we suppose, transmit their own likeness from generation to generation. Thus
the progenitors of our little Pamphilus were known to Aristotle under precisely the
same form as their descendants are known to us ; and the future individuals of this
butterfly will doubtless remain the same (malgre the vestigians) to the end of time.
We have to search out the earliest name given to this butterfly, and have no choice
but to assign it this earliest name. The author of the present list has done this with
the greatest care, printing this earliest name first in order, and in a larger type, and
all subsequent names below it in the column, and in a smaller type. Now the follow-
ers of Linneus may call this insect a Papilio ; the followers of Boisduval, a Satyrus ;
the followers of Stephens, an Hipparchia ; the followers of Westwood, a Lasiommata ;
the followers of Hubner, a Coenonympha ; the followers of each future author, a name
yet uncoined ; and each of these different decisions will display equally good taste,
correct judgment and scientific research: but all must agree in the specific name of
Pamphilus ; concerning that there is no choice, unless one arose from the difficulty
which occasionally occurs in fixing the precise date of publication. It is well known,
and therefore may be recorded without offence, that our publishing entomologists, in
former years, trusted entirely to the figures and descriptions of continental authors,
and never took the trouble to examine authentic specimens and compare them with
our own : thus it continually happened that the English author, even with the named
species in his hand, failed to identify it by the figure or description : a new name was
consequently given, and thus the same species very frequently bore one name on the
Continent and another in Britain. The author of the present list has cleared away a
mass of these errors by the actual examination and comparison of authentic specimens,
and thus his labours have tended materially to alter our previously received nomen-
clature ; but I am rejoiced to say, that these alterations have in no case been made
unadvisedly, nor unless the circumstances of the case imperatively required them.
Most cordially do I recommend this list to every entomologist, and most confidently
do I anticipate that its use in this country will become general. In order, however,
that the reader may thoroughly understand its plan, a page is introduced as a speci-
men of the whole. — Edward Newman.
3 fa./
i
P'T
Insects.
1913
Pygm^eola.
Pygmseola, Doubl.
Aureola.
Aureola, Hub.
MUSCERDA.
Muscerda, Hub., Och., Boisd.
MlNIATA.
Miniata, Fors.
Rosea, Fab., Och.
Rubicunda, Hub.
Mesomella.
Mesomella, Linn.
Eborina, Hub., Och.
SETINA, Steph.
Trrorella.
Irrorella, Linn.
Irrorea, Hub.
Roscida, Steph. (non Fab.), var.
NUDARIA, Haw.
Senex.
Senex, Hub.
MUNDANA.
Mundana, Linn.
Hemerobia, Hub., var.
CALLIMORPHA, Boisd.
DOMINULA.
Dominula, Linn.
EUTHEMONIA, Steph.
NEMEOPHILA, Steph.
RuSSULA.
5 Russula, Linn.
(?Sannio, Linn.
Plantaginis.
Plantaginis, Linn.
Hospita, W. V., var.
ARCTIA, Steph.
CHELONIA, Lat., Boisd.
EYPREPIA, Curt.
VlLLICA.
Villica, Linn.
Caja.
Caja, Linn.
PHRAGMATOBIA, Step.
SPILOSOMA, Curt.
ARCTIA, Boisd.
FULIGINOSA.
Fuliginosa, Linn.
LlJBRICIPEDA.
Lubricipeda, Fab.
Radiata, Haw.,v&r.
Urtic^:.
Urticse, Esp.
Papyratia, Marsh.
Menthrasti.
Menthrasti, Fab.
Walkeri, Curt., var.
Mendica.
Mendica, Linn.
LIPARIS, Och.
PSILURA, Steph.
HYPOGYMNA, Steph.
LEUCOMA, Steph.
PORTHESIA, Steph.
MONACHA.
Monacha, Linn.
DlSPAR.
Dispar, Linn.
Salicis.
Salicis, Linn.
Auriflua.
Auriflua, Fab., Hub., Boisd.
Chrysorrhsea, Haw., Steph.
Chrysorrh^a.
Chrysorrhsea, Linn., Boisd.
Phffiorrhsea, Curt., Haw.
Auriflua, Steph.
ORGYIA, Och.
LjELIA, Steph.
DASYCHIRA, Steph.
DEMAS, Steph.
Cojnosa.
Ccenosa, Hub.
PuDIBUNDA.
Pudibunda, Linn.
J uglandis, Hub.
Fascelina.
Fascelina, Linn.
CORYLI.
Coryli, Linn.
GONOSTIGMA.
Gonostigma, Fab.
Antiqua.
Antiqua, Linn.
CLISIOCAMPA, Curt.
BOMBYX, Boisd.
Neustria.
Neustria, Linn.
Bilineatus, Haw., var.
Castrensis.
Castrensis, Linn.
ERIOGASTER, Germ.
Lanestris.
Lanestris, Linn.
TRICHIURA, Steph.
Cratjcgi.
Cratffigi, Linn.
PCECILOCAMPA, Steph,
POPULI.
Populi, Linn.
LASIOCAMPA, Steph.
BOMBYX, Boisd.
Rub i.
Rubi, Linn.
Quercus.
Quercus, Linn.
Roboris, Steph., var.
Trifolii.
Trifolii, Fab.
Medicaginis, Hub., var.
ODONESTIS, Germ.
POTATORIA.
Potatoria, Linn.
GASTROPACHA, Curt.
LASIOCAMPA, Lat., Bo.
Querctfolia.
Quercifolia, Linn.
SATURNIA, Schr.
Carpini.
Carpini, Bork.
Pavonia var. minor, Linn.
ENDROMIS, Och.
Versicolor.
Versicolor, Linn.
COSSUS, Fab.
Ligniperda.
Ligniperda, Fab.
Bombyx Cossus, Linn.
ZEUZERA, Lat.
JEsculi.
JEsculi, Linn.
Arundinis.
Arundinis, Hub.
HEPIALUS, Fab.
HUMULI.
Humuli, Linn.
Velleda.
Velleda, Esp.
Mappa, Don.
Carnus, Steph. (non Fab.), var
Sylvinus.
Sylvinus, Linn., Esp.
Lupulina, Hub.
LUPULINUS.
Lupulinus, Linn.
$ Obliquus, Fab.
Fu8cus, Haw.
Angulum, Haw., var.
Obliquus, Haw., var.
Nebulosus, Haw., var.
Hectus.
Hectus, Linn.
f Jodutta, Hav.
1914 Insects.
Descriptions of New British Lepidoptera, by Henry Doubleday, Esq.
Genus Lithosia, Fab.
Sp. 1. Lithosia stramineola .*
Lithosia Jlava, Haworth, Stephens.
Antennae, head, thorax and abdomen pale straw-yellow ; anterior wings pale yellow
or straw colour, usually immaculate, but sometimes having a large cinereous patch
towards the apex; posterior wings, ciliae and legs pale yellow.
This species has been considered identical with Lithosia flava of Fabricius, but the
description is so vague that it is impossible to be certain whether our insect is the spe-
cies described under the above name as a native of Italy. It may possibly prove to
be only a variety of L. griseola.
Sp. 2. Lithosia pygm^ola.!
Head, thorax and abdomen pale cinereous, tinged with yellow ; anterior wings very
narrow, cinereous ; the costa pale straw colour nearly to the apex of the wing ; pos-
terior wings whitish, the anterior margin broadly shaded with cinerous ; the wings are
similarly marked on the under surface, but the yellow margin of the anterior wings is
more distinct.
This small species, which appears to be new, has been taken on the coast pf Kent
among rushes. The larva probably feed upon some species of lichen growing upon
the ground among the rushes and sedge.
Genus Hydr,ecia, Gucnee.
Sp. 1. HYDRiECIA PETASITIS. \
Head, thorax and abdomen cjeep brown ; anterior wings dull brown, with a darker
central fascia, in which are the usual stigmata ; the hinder margin of the wing beyond
the fascia is rather paler than the rest of the wing, deepening in colour towards the
ciliae, which are fuscous, paler at the base ; posterior wings immaculate, pale fuscous.
This species differs from H. micacea in being rather larger, the colour deeper, and
the markings more obscure, and in having fuscous posterior wings. I have named it
Petasitis from its having been taken flying over the butter bur (Tussilago Petasites,
Linn.), on which the larva probably feeds.
Genus Hadena, Ochsenheimer.
Sp. 1. Hadena assimilis. §
Anterior wings coppery black, with a ferruginous spot near the base ; a copper-
coloured striga before and another behind the middle, the latter considerably curved
* Alis omnibus stramineis, immaculatis. (Expansio alarum, 1 unc. 4 — 6 lin.)
f Alis anticis angustissimis, margine anteriori stramineo, posticis albicantibus,
margini anteriori late cinereo. (Exp. alar. 10 lin.)
X Alis anticis obscure fuscis, fascia saturation, stigmatibus pallidioribus, posticis
pallide fuscis. (Exp. alar. 1 unc. 10 lin. — 2 unc.)
§ Alis anticis fusco-cupreis, strigis ordinariis stigmatibusque cuprcis : posticis fus-
cis. (Exp. alar. 1 unc. 8 lin.)
Insects. 1915
from the costa towards the hinder margin of the wing ; between these strigae the stig-
mata, which are cupreous, are placed ; on the hinder margin of the wing is the usual
striga, which is composed of copper-coloured lunules, the W mark being almost obli-
terated ; on the costa, near the apex, are three pale spots, and a minute white dot on
each of the nervures between the second and third striga ; ciliae spotted with black and
cupreous ; posterior wings fuscous, scarcely paler on the disk ; cilia; reddish. Head,
thorax and abdomen deep fuscous, sprinkled with coppery dots.
This species is very closely allied to H. adusta, and seems intermediate between it
and H. satura, which it much resembles ; it differs from the former in having the an-
tennae less ciliated, the strigae slightly different in form, and in the absence of the W
mark so conspicuous in H. adusta ; the posterior wings are also much deeper in colour.
First taken in Scotland by Mr. Weaver, in 1846, and this season by a friend of Mr.
Stainton's. — Henry Doubleday.
Captures of Lepidoptera at Lewisham, by means of Light.
Biston prodromaria. Four, April 5 to 8.
Cerura bifida. Two, May 20 and August 12.
Geometra lunaria. Three, June 5.
Eurymene dolabraria. One, June 7.
Eupithecia succenturiata. Three, July 6, 11 and 14.
Eupithecia pulchel/ata. Six, July 10 to August 6.
Eupithecia coronata. One, July 11.
Eupithecia subfulvata. One, August 17.
Phycita formosa. Upwards of thirty, many of them in very bad condition, July
10 to 31.
Phycita bistriga. Two, July 11 and 13.
Phycita binavella. One, July 14.
Phycita pinguis. Five, July 29 to August 17.
Crambus falsellus. Ten, July 10 to August 6.
Euchromia purpurana. Three, July 11 to 13.
Aglossa cuprealis. Three, July 11 to August 5.
Zeuzera JEsculi, $ . One, July 12.
Carpocapsa rufana. Six, July 12 to 20. This appears to me a very distinct
species.
Anesychia dodecea. One, July 14.
Emmelesia rusticata. One, July 14.
Emmelesia bifasciata. Two, August 1 7 and 22.
Cochy lis griseana.* Three, July 14 and August 17.
Lobophora sexalisata. One, July 16.
Sericoris quadrimaculana. Two, July 21 and September 13.
Hylophila quercana. One, August 1.
Ptilodontis palpina. Four, August 2 to 9.
Cerura furcula. One, August 12.
Geometra fuscantaria. Six, August 9 to 31.
* By this name I mean the griseana of Bentley's cabinet ; it is not the griseana
of Stephens's cabinet.
1916 Insects.
Xanthia xerampelina. Two, August 30 and September 10.
Latterly I have taken two Charaeas cespitis, and several Geometra tiliaria and ero-
saria, and Trichiura crataegi. — H. T. Stainton ; Mountsfield, Lewisham, September
16, 1847.
Occurrence of Sphinx Convolvuli at Battel. — A fine female has just been brought
to me alive ; it was found in a hop bin. — /. B. Ellman ; Battel, September 13, 1847.
Capture of Xanthia Centrago near Bristol. — This rare and beautiful species seems
to have occurred in unusual plenty this season. Several have been captured in the
north of England, and on the 21st of August I had the pleasure of taking a fine spe-
cimen on an ash tree on Durdham Downs ; between this date and the 9th of Septem-
ber I captured upwards of thirty specimens : it was also taken in some plenty by other
collectors in the neighbourhood. I never met with this species before, though I un-
derstand it has occurred in the same locality for some years past. — P. H. Vaughan ;
Redland, Bristol, September 13, 1847.
Capture of Porrectaria Laricella of Hubner. — I took nine specimens of this silvery
little moth on the fences at Dulwich, Heme Hill and Camberwell, during the first
week in July. This is, I believe, the first time it has been found in England ; at any
rate it is a new species to our list of Lepidoptera. — W. Thomson, Jun. ; 6, Loudoun
Place, Noi'th Brixton, September 14, 1847.
Descriptions of British Bees belonging to the Genus Andrena of
Fabricius. By Frederick Smith, Esq.
(Continued from page 1753).
Sp. 46. Andrena fulvicrus.
Melitta fulvicrus, Kirby. Melitta contigua, Kirby, var. male.
Female. — (Length 4j — 5j lines). Black ; the face clothed with
short pale fulvous pubescence ; at the base of the antennae, on the
vertex, and along the inner margin of the eyes, it is black. Thorax,
the disk thinly clothed with fulvous pubescence ; on the sides and on
the mejathorax it is of a paler colour ; the tegulae rufo-piceous ; the
wings hyaline, slightly clouded at their margins, the nervures pale
ferruginous ; the pubescence on the legs fulvous ; the floccus is pale
fulvous, the scopa bright fulvous; the tarsi beneath ferruginous. Ab-
domen ovate, very finely punctured, rather convex ; all the segments
have a marginal fascia of pale fulvous hair ; the apical fimbria black ;
beneath, the segments have a thin fringe of pale hair, on the apical
one it is black.
Male. — (Length 4 \ — 5 lines). Black ; the face clothed with black
Insects. 1917
pubescence, intermixed with fulvous ; the antennae not quite so long
as the head and thorax. Thorax clothed with pale ochraceous ; the
wings hyaline, very slightly clouded at their margins. Abdomen
ovate-lanceolate, the three basal segments thinly clothed with short
ochraceous pubescence ; on the apical segments it is black ; the mar-
gins of the segments, excepting the basal one, have a fascia of ochra-
ceous hair.
The specimens described were captured in coitu. The pubescence
in this species is very subject to fade, particularly in the males ; it
becomes white in that sex. Mr. Kirby's M. contigua is a variety of
the male. The species is very generally distributed, and is very
abundant : it appears in April and May.
Sp. 47. -Andrena chrysosceles.
Melitta chrysosceles, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 4 — 4^ lines). Black ; on the clypeus a little
silvery pubescence, and a few pale fulvous hairs at the base of the
antennae and along the margin of the vertex ; a line of short fulvous
pile along the inner margin of the eyes ; one or two of the apical joints
of the antennae rufo-fulvous beneath. Thorax, the pubescence is ful-
vous on the disk, but very thin ; on the metathorax it is thicker and
paler ; on the disk, parallel with the tegulae, on each side is a slight
scratch ; the tegulae testaceous, as wrell as the nervures ; the wings
iridescent, sub-fuscous, slightly clouded at their margins ; the legs
nigro-piceous ; the floccus white ; the scopa of a golden yellow, having
in some lights a white reflection ; the posterior tibiae and all the tarsi
testaceous. Abdomen sub-ovate, shining, and finely punctured ; the
margins of the second, third and fourth segments have a white fascia,
the two first interrupted ; the apical fimbria fulvous.
Male. — (Length 3j — 4 lines). Black; the clypeus pale yellow,
with two black spots. Thorax, the pubescence on the disk pale ful-
vous, on the sides and legs beneath it is white; the tegulae and
nervures testaceous ; the wings iridescent, hyaline, and slightly clouded
at their margins ; the apex of the posterior tibiae and all the tarsi tes-
taceous. Abdomen lanceolate, the margins of the segments narrowly
piceous, having laterally a slight fringe of pale hair; that on the api-
cal segment is pale golden yellow.
This is rather a local species : I never found it in any abundance.
It is met with at Hampstead, Charlton, Weybridge, &c. It is partial
v 2z
1918 Insects.
to hard-trodden pathways in which to construct its burrows. I have
observed Noniada furva entering its nests. It appears in June.
Sp. 48. Andrena dorsata.
Melitta dorsata, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 4 J lines). Black ; a little pale fulvous pubes-
cence along the inner margin of the eyes below the base of the anten-
nae. Thorax clothed above with short fulvous pubescence, paler at
the sides, and on the metathorax, on each side of which it is thickly
clothed ; the tegulae ferruginous ; the wings slightly fuscous and iri-
descent ; the legs rufo-piceous, having a pale fulvous pubescence ; the
posterior tarsi and the apical joints of the anterior and intermediate
tarsi rufous, as is also the apex of the posterior tibiae ; the floccus
nearly white, and the scopa fulvous. Abdomen sub-ovate, finely
punctured ; the margins of the second, third and fourth segments have
a white fascia, the first interrupted in the centre ; the anal fimbria
fulvous.
This is not a very common species. I have taken it at Weybridge,
in August. I do not know its male.
Sp. 49. Andrena Wilkella.
Melitta Wilkella, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 — 5| lines). Black ; the antennae piceous be-
neath ; a little pale fulvous pubescence along the inner margin of the
eyes. Thorax thinly clothed with pale fulvous ; the tegulae ferrugi-
nous ; the wings sub-testaceous ; the pubescence on the legs pale ful-
vous; the posterior tibiae and basal joint of the tarsus pale rufous;
the floccus pale fulvous ; the scopa fulvous ; the claws rufo-piceous.
Abdomen rather oblong-ovate ; the second, third and fourth segments
have on each side a white fascia ; the anal fimbria pale fulvous.
This species is also local. I have a specimen captured in the
neighbourhood of London, but I do not remember the exact locality.
I do not know its male.
Sp. 50. Andrena proxima.
Melitta proxima, Kirby. Melitta digitalis, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 4 J lines). Black ; the face clothed with pale
ochraceous pubescence ; the antennae longer than the head. Thorax
Insects. 1919
thinly clothed with very pale ochraceous pubescence ; a fringe of the
same on the sides of the metathorax ; the tegulae piceous ; the wings
iridescent, sub-fuscous at their margins ; the floccus white ; the scopa
of a pale golden yellow above, changing to silvery white beneath ; the
basal joint of the posterior tarsi of a golden yellow within ; the apical
joints of the tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen sub-ovate, convex, and very
shining ; the margin of the second, third and fourth segments has a
lateral white marginal fascia ; the anal fimbria golden yellow, having
in some lights a silvery reflection.
Male. — (Length 3j lines). Black ; a little whitish pubescence on
the face ; the antennae nearly as long as the head and thorax. Tho-
rax very thinly clothed with pale ochraceous pubescence, which is
also the colour of the pubescence on the legs ; the apical joints of the
tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen oblong-ovate, very smooth and shining ;
on the margin of the second, third and fourth segments, laterally a
little white pubescence, and at the extreme apex a little bright yellow.
Mr. Kirby's M. digitalis 1 consider to be a variety of the female of
A. proxima. This species I never met with near London: I have
taken both sexes in Hampshire : I believe it also occurs at Bexley
Heath, and at Highgate, but not abundantly. I believe it is a very
local insect. The sexes are now first united : they bear a close re-
semblance to each other: in Mr. Kirby's Monograph the male is
described under the specific name of Collinsonana.
Sp. 51. Andrena Coitana.
Melitta Coitana, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 3 J — 4 lines). Black ; nearly naked, a few pale
ochraceous hairs at the base of the antennae, a little at the sides of the
thorax, and a fringe of the same along the under margin of the scu-
tellum, and at the sides of the metathorax ; the tegulae testaceous ;
the wings iridescent, hyaline, and slightly clouded at their margins ;
the tarsi ferruginous ; the floccus white ; the scopa above fuscous,
beneath silvery white. Abdomen very smooth and shining; the mar-
gin of the second, third and fourth segments has a narrow white fringe,
interrupted in the two first ; the anal fimbria fuscous.
Male. — -(Length 3 — 3j lines). Black ; the clypeus white, having
two black dots ; a small angular white macula on each side of the
clypeus, reaching the margin of the eye. Thorax, a little thin pale
ochraceous pubescence on the disk ; the tegulae piceous ; the wings
hyaline, iridescent, and slightly clouded at their margins; the legs
1920 Insects.
have a white pubescence ; the claws ferruginous. Abdomen ovate-
lanceolate, very smooth and shining, and having a thin scattered white
pubescence ; the extreme apex ferruginous.
This is a scarce bee : the female is now first described. I have
captured both sexes at Weybridge, and have also received the male
from the Rev. Mr. Little, from Scotland. The male resembles the
same sex of the A. analis, but the small angular patch of white on
each side of the clypeus will at once separate them, exclusive of other
differences.
Sp. 52. Andrena argentata, Smith.
Female. — (Length 4 lines). Head, the clypeus very minutely and
delicately punctured, with a few scattered larger punctures intermixed;
from the base of the antennae to the occiput delicately longitudinally
striated ; the inner orbit of the eyes with a line of pale silvery hairs ;
antennae black above, piceous beneath. Thorax thinly clothed above
with pale fulvous hairs ; all the legs clothed with silvery hairs, the
floccus on the posterior pair silvery white ; the tibiae clothed with
hairs of the same colour; all the tarsi pitchy red. Abdomen shining
black ; the margin of the second, third and fourth segments with a
band of silvery hairs, the centre fuscous ; the margins of the segments
beneath have also a fringe of silvery hairs.
Male. — (Length 3 lines). Closely resembling the female, except
that the thorax is altogether clothed wTith silvery hairs, and the abdo-
men has an additional band of silvery hairs, also a few silvery hairs
on the lateral margins of the first segment. Nomada Baccata is para-
sitic upon this species.
Sp. 53. Andrena analis, Panzer.
Female. — (Length 4 lines). Black ; the face thinly clothed with
white pubescence ; the antennae piceous beneath ; the mandibles fer-
ruginous at their tips. Thorax, the pubescence on the disk very
sparing, nearly wThite ; quite white on the sides, and at the sides of
the metathorax ; the tegulae piceous ; the wings iridescent, hyaline,
and slightly clouded at their margins ; the posterior tibiae and tarsi,
the intermediate tarsi, and apical joints of the anterior tarsi, ferrugi-
nous ; the floccus white ; the scopa yellow. Abdomen convex, shin-
ing, and having a little white fringe on the margins of the segments
laterally, also a very thin scattered white pubescence, particularly at
the sides ; the apical fimbria fuscous.
Insects. 1921
Male. — (Length 3 — 3J- lines). Black ; the clypeus white, with two
black dots ; its pubescence is white ; along the inner margin of the
eyes it is of a sooty black. Thorax, a little thin rather long pubes-
cence at the sides, and on the metathorax ; the disk shining and
nearly naked ; the wings iridescent, hyaline, and very slightly clouded
at their margins ; the intermediate and posterior tarsi, and the apical
joints of the anterior, ferruginous. Abdomen convex, shining, and
having a thin white fringe on the margins of the segments, frequently
obliterated ; the extreme apex pale ferruginous.
I have not met with this species in the neighbourhood of London :
it occurs, however, at Weybridge. I have a specimen of the male
taken in Ireland. It is abundant, Mr. J. Hardy informs me, at Pen-
manshiel Wood, Berwickshire. It forms its burrows in the banks
skirting the pathways which run through the wood : at Weybridge I
captured it in a similar situation.
Sp. 54. Andrena labialis.
Melitta labialis, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 6 lines). Black ; the face has a fulvous pubes-
cence, the clypeus being nearly naked ; the tips of the mandibles fer-
ruginous. Thorax thinly clothed above with fulvous, more thickly
so, but of a paler colour, at the sides, and on the metathorax laterally;
the tegulse pale testaceous ; the wings clouded at their margins ; a
short fulvous pubescence on the legs ; the tarsi ferruginous ; the floc-
cus very pale fulvous ; the scopa fulvous. Abdomen ovate, rather
depressed ; the second, third and fourth segments have a narrow mar-
ginal fringe of pale fulvous hair, the two first generally interrupted ;
the apical fimbria fulvous.
Male. — (Length 5 — 5^ lines). Black; the clypeus, and an angular
patch on each side, pale yellow ; two black dots on the clypeus ; the
antennae slightly piceous beneath. Thorax clothed above with short
fulvous pubescence, much paler at the sides and beneath ; the tegulas
pale testaceous ; the wings slightly testaceous, clouded at their mar-
gins ; the legs have a pale fulvous pubescence, but it is nearly white
on the femora beneath ; the tarsi ferruginous. Abdomen ovate-lance-
olate ; the segments have laterally a pale marginal fringe, frequently
obliterated on the first segment ; the extreme apex fulvous.
This species is not uncommon in the neighbourhood of London :
it forms large colonies. I have taken it at Hampstead Heath, High-
gate, Hawley, Hants, Weybridge, &c. Its pubescence soon fades,
1922 Insects.
specimens occurring in which it is quite white. This species appears
about the end of May or the beginning of June. Noraada run* ventris
is parasitic upon this bee.
Sp. 55. Andrena separata, Smith.
Female. — (Length 6 lines). Black ; the clypeus yellow; the face
clothed with fulvous pubescence ; the antennae nigro-piceous beneath.
Thorax thinly clothed with fulvous on the disk ; the tegulae testa-
ceous ; wings sub-fuscous ; the pubescence on the legs fulvous ; the
floccus pale fulvous ; the scopa golden yellow ; the tarsi pale ferrugi-
nous. Abdomen ovate, convex ; the first, second and third segments
have a pale fulvous marginal fringe, the first broadly interrupted ; the
apical segment clothed with fulvous pubescence.
This insect very closely resembles A. labialis, and had I only met
with a single specimen or two I might have felt justified in consider-
it to be a variety, differing only in having the clypeus white, but I
have seen a number of specimens. It is in the cabinets of Mr. Ste-
phens, Mr. Desvignes, Mr. Dale, Mr. Walcott, and my own. It may
indeed be only a variety, but I hesitate to consider it so. It is the
only instance with which lam acquainted of the female sex having a
white clypeus : my specimens were captured at Highgate. The male
is not known.
Sp. 56. Andrena Kirbii, Curtis.
Female. — (Length 6 lines). Black ; the head minutely and closely
punctured ; the face clothed with ochraceous pubescence ; the anten-
nae piceous beneath. Thorax sparingly punctured, and thinly clothed
with short pale ochraceous pubescence ; the wings yellowish, clouded
at their apical margins ; the femora and tibiae clothed with pale pu-
bescence; tarsi ferruginous, the basal joint clothed with pale hair,
changing with the light to ferruginous. Abdomen minutely punc-
tured, pubescent, especially at the base, the margins of the segments
being narrowly fringed with pale ochraceous hair, forming four trans-
verse bands ; the apical fimbria yellowish-brown.
The only specimen which 1 have seen of this fine species is in the
cabinet of Mr. Stephens : there is an admirable figure of it in Mr.
Curtis' s British Entomology, p. 129. The male is not known. "The
insect was formerly in the collection of the late Mr. Griffin of Nor-
wich, and was probably captured in the neighbourhood of that city."
Insects. 1923
Sp. 57. Andrena Lewinella.
Melitta Lewinella, Kirby.
Male. — (Length 3J lines). Black ; the antennae nearly as long as
the thorax ; the face clothed with pale rufous pubescence. Thorax,
the pubescence on the disk rufous ; wings iridescent, sub-hyaline,
slightly clouded at their apical margins ; the legs fuscous ; the apex
of the posterior tibiae and all the tarsi testaceous. Abdomen ovate-
lanceolate, fuscous, and having a thin griseous pubescence ; the
second, third and fourth segments have laterally a narrow white mar-
ginal fringe.
There is that general resemblance between this species and the A.
picicornis, that I think it may in all probability be its male. I have
never met with either sex, and have only seen those in the Kirbyan
cabinet : both species were captured by Mr. Kirby at Barham, in
Suffolk, but w7ere rare.
Sp. 58. Andrena gombinata.
Melitta combinata, Kirby. Melitta nudiuscula, Kirby ?
Female. — (Length 4 — 5 lines). Black ; the face clothed with thin
pale rufous pubescence, that on the cheeks and vertex is nearly white.
Thorax clothed on the disk with rufous pubescence ; a thick incurved
fringe on each side of the metathorax much paler in colour ; tegulae
piceous ; the wings iridescent, slightly clouded at their margins, the
nervures testaceous ; the posterior tarsi, and the apical joints of the
anterior and intermediate pairs, rufous ; the floccus white ; the scopa
fulvous. Abdomen sub- ovate, slightly depressed, finely punctured ;
the second, third and fourth segments have a narrow white marginal
fringe, the first and second generally interrupted ; beneath, the mar-
gins are ciliated with long white hairs.
Male. — (Length 4 lines). Black ; the antennae as long as the tho-
rax ; the face clothed with long pale pubescence, which is also the
colour of that on the disk of the thorax ; wings iridescent, slightly
clouded at their apical margins ; the apical joints of the tarsi piceous.
Abdomen ovate-lanceolate, a little pale pubescence on the basal seg-
ment, and the margins slightly ciliated with pale hairs.
I cannot regard Mr. Kirby's Melitta nudiuscula as a good species,
or as being distinct from the present. I consider it to be a specimen
of the female, having the marginal bands obliterated. This insect is
not uncommon in the London district.
1924 Insects.
Sp. 59. Andrena albicrus.
Melitta albicrus, Kirby. Melitta barbilabris, Kirby, male.
Female. — (Length 5 — 5j lines). Black; the mandibles rufescent
at their apex ; a little fulvous pubescence at the base of the antennae ;
on each side of the clypeus, which is coarsely punctured, it is white.
Thorax clothed above with fulvous; the wings sub-hyaline, very
slightly clouded at their margins ; the stigma nearly black ; the floc-
cus white ; the scopa fuscous above, beneath it is silvery white ; the
tarsi ferruginous within ; the claws ferruginous. Abdomen ovate,
smooth and shining ; the second, third and fourth segments have a
white marginal fringe, the two first generally interrupted ; beneath,
the margins of the segments are narrowly testaceous, and have a nar-
row white fascia, and also a few long white hairs between the fascia?.
Male. — (Length 4 — 5 lines). Black ; the pubescence hoary, slightly
tinged with yellow on the thorax ; on the clypeus it is silvery white,
and as it were combed down over the mouth ; the wings are iridescent ;
the stigma nearly black. Abdomen ovate-lanceolate, the margins of
the segments slightly piceous ; beneath, the margins of the segments
are ciliated with white hair.
This species appears about the middle of May. I have found
colonies of it at Hampstead and Charlton, and have frequently taken
pairs in coitu : at the former place I have observed Nomada lateralis
entering its burrows : both sexes are remarkable for having the stigma
much darker than is usual with these insects. Mr. Kirby's M. barbi-
labris I consider to be a variety of the male.
Sp. 60. Andrena connectens.
Melitta connectens, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 lines). Black; at the base of the antennae a
little long pale fulvous pubescence ; the antennae piceous beneath.
Thorax slightly pubescent on the disk, the pubescence pale fulvous ;
rather paler on the sides and on each side of the metathorax ; the
tegulae testaceous ; the wings sub-fuscous and slightly clouded at their
margins, the nervures testaceous; the legs nigro-piceous ; the pos-
terior tibiae and all the tarsi rufo-testaceous ; the floccus nearly white ;
the scopa of a golden yellow. Abdomen ovate, shining, and finely
punctured, the margins of the segments slightly piceous.
Of this species there is only a portion of the specimen left in the
Kirbyan cabinet. It is a species which I do not possess.
Insects. 1925
Sp. 61. Andrena minutula.
Melitta minulula, Kirby.
Female.— Length 3— 3£ lines). Black ; a line of short silvery hair
on the face, along the inner margin of the eyes ; the antennae rufo-
piceous beneath. Thorax, a little hoary pubescence at the sides ; the
tegulae piceous ; the wings fuscous, palest at their apical margins, the
nervures ferruginous ; the floccus white ; the scopa silvery white, not
very dense, and changing in colour in different lights ; the tarsi have
fulvous pubescence within ; the apical joints ferruginous. Abdomen
sub-ovate, shining, nearly naked, having only a few white hairs on the
margins of the apical segments ; the anal fimbria fuscous.
Male. — (Length 2j— 3 lines). Black ; the face clothed with white
pubescence ; the antennae rufo-piceous beneath. Thorax, the tegulae
piceous ; the wings iridescent, sub-hyaline ; the legs have a silvery-
white pubescence ; the claws ferruginous. Abdomen convex, smooth
and shining, having a thin griseous pubescence.
Sp. 62. Andrena nana.
Melitta nana, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 3j lines). Black ; a line of short silvery hair on
the face, along the inner margin of the eyes. Thorax, the tegulae pi-
ceous ; the wings iridescent, sub-fuscous ; legs with a hoary pubes-
cence ; the floccus white ; the scopa silvery-white ; the basal joint of
the tarsi has a fulvous pubescence within ; the claws ferruginous.
Abdomen sub-ovate, rather broadest towards the apex, finely and
closely punctured ; the second, third and fourth segments have a white
marginal fascia, broadly interrupted in the two first ; the anal fimbria
white, with a little fulvous pubescence at the extreme apex.
Male. — (Length 3 lines). Black ; the face clothed with white pu-
bescence ; the antennae nigro-piceous beneath ; the tegulae piceous ;
the wings splendidly iridescent, sub-hyaline ; the disk has a little
ochraceous pubescence as well as the legs ; the claws ferruginous.
Abdomen ovate-lanceolate, very finely punctured, and having a thin
scattered ochraceous pubescence ; apex piceous.
Sp. 63. Andrena parvula.
Melitta parvula, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 3 — 3j lines). Black ; a little pale pubescence
on the clypeus, and a line of short pale fulvous hair along the inner
v 3 a
1926 Insects.
margin of the eyes. Thorax, a little pale fulvous pubescence on
the disk ; the wings splendidly iridescent, sub-fuscous, with their
tegulae piceous ; the legs have a pale fulvous pubescence, which is
also the colour of the scopa above, but it is silvery beneath, changing
colour in different lights ; the floccus white. Abdomen ovate, nearly
naked ; the apical fimbria pale fulvous.
Male. — (Length 3 lines). Black ; the face clothed with black pu-
bescence ; the tegulae piceous ; the wings splendidly iridescent, sub-
fuscous; the legs have a hoary pubescence ; the claws ferruginous.
Abdomen sub-ovate, nearly naked, the extreme apex piceous.
Mr. Kirby has remarked that A. minutula, nana and parvula, are li-
able to be confounded, although distinct species : the female of minu-
tula has the underside of the antennae more or less red towards the
apex, its wings are brown, and its abdomen is impunctate : A. nana
has the abdomen punctulate, and lateral marginal fascia : A. parvula
has an ovate abdomen, and its antennae are wholly black. The male
of A. parvula is at once known by its black face : the male of nana
has a longer abdomen and also longer antennae than the male of mi-
nutula, and its wings are paler.
Sp. 64. Andrena Shawella.
Melitla Shawella, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 4 lines). Black; the face nearly naked; a few
pale hairs at the base of the antennae ; the clypeus coarsely punc-
tured ; the antennae slightly piceous beneath. Thorax nearly naked ;
a few pale hairs at the sides of the metathorax ; tegulae nigro-piceous ;
the wings slightly fuscous ; the legs nigro-piceous, their pubescence
nearly white ; the floccus white ; the scopa fuscous above, silvery-
white beneath ; the posterior tarsi fulvous within ; the apical joints
of all the tarsi piceous. Abdomen oblong-ovate, shining, punctate ;
the margins of the second, third and fourth segments have a narrow
white fascia, generally interrupted on the two first ; the anal fimbria
fuscous.
This is a scarce little bee. I have taken it in the autumn at Graves-
end : I have also seen specimens captured at Southend in August. I
do not know the male.
Sp. 65. Andrena pilosula.
Melitta pilosula, Kirby.
Male. — (Length 3| lines). Black; the face clothed with black
Insects. 1927
pubescence ; the antennae nearly as long as the head and thorax.
Thorax thinly clothed on the disk with a little pale pubescence ; the
tegulae piceous ; wings sub-fuscous; the legs nigro-piceous, having a
long pale pubescence ; the posterior tarsi, and the apical joints of the
intermediate and anterior tarsi, ferruginous ; the basal joint of the
tarsi fulvescent within. Abdomen oblong-ovate ; the margins of the
segments rufo-piceous, the apical segment piceous.
This male closely resembles the same sex of A. Gwynana, of which
it may be a permanent variety; but as it differs from the usual cha-
racters of that male, I hesitate to consider it synonymous. It is found
near London in the spring.
Sp. 66. Andrena convexitjscula.
Melitta convexiuscula, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 lines). Black ; the face clothed with pale ful-
vous pubescence ; the antennae nigro-piceous beneath. Thorax
clothed with fulvous, rather thinly so on the disk, palest at the sides ;
the tegulae piceous; the wings sub-hyaline, clouded at their apical
margins ; the clothing of the legs pale fulvous ; the posterior tibiae
pale rufous, having a dark stain beneath ; the posterior and interme-
diate tarsi, and the apical joints of the anterior pair, pale rufous; the
floccus white ; the scopa fulvous, in some lights having a silvery re-
flection. Abdomen fuscous, sub-ovate, very convex, smooth, shiping,
and very finely punctured, the two apical segments having a very
short rufous pile ; the second, third and fourth segments have a pale
fulvous marginal fringe, the first generally, and the second sometimes,
interrupted ; the anal fimbria pale fulvous ; beneath convex, the mar-
gins of the segments having a pale fringe.
Male. — (Length 4 lines). Black ; the face has a clothing of white
short pubescence; the antennae as long as the head and thorax, the
joints sub -arcuate. Thorax, the tegulae nigro-piceous ; the wings
slightly fuscous, clouded at their apical margins ; the posterior tibiae,
and the apical joints of the anterior and intermediate pairs, pale ru-
fous. Abdomen fuscous, oblong-ovate, smooth, shining, and very
finely punctured ; the second, third and fourth segments have a very
pale marginal fringe, the first interrupted ; the apical segment has a
little pale fulvous pubescence.
This species I never met with near London : I once took a speci-
men or two in Hampshire. Mr. Dale informs me that some seasons
it is not uncommon at Glanville's Wootton. One peculiarity appears
1928 Insects.
to attend this species, namely, all the specimens are Stylopized : I
have not yet seen a specimen of either sex which was not so infested.
I mentioned the circumstance to Mr. Dale, and he informed me that
such had been his own observation. I have two males, out of each
of which a male Stylops has escaped. I have males of other species
out of which the parasite has emerged ; and as yet I never captured
a male bee containing a female Stylops. The male is now first
described.
Sp. 67. Andrena xanthura.
Melitta xanthura, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 5 — 6 lines). Black; the face clothed with very
short pale pubescence ; the apex of the antennae beneath piceous.
Thorax clothed above with a short fulvous pubescence, palest at the
sides of the metathorax ; the tegulae rufo-piceous ; the wings slightly
fuscous, clouded faintly at their apical margins ; the floccus nearly
white or pale fulvous ; the scopa fulvous ; the posterior tibiae and
tarsi, the intermediate tarsi, and the apical joints of the anterior,
rufo-testaceous. Abdomen oblong-ovate, slightly depressed ; the
second, third and fourth segments have a white marginal fringe, the
two first interrupted ; the apical fimbria fulvous ; beneath, the seg-
ments are ciliated with long fulvous hair.
Male. — (Length 3j — 5 lines). Black; the face clothed with a red-
dish-brown pubescence ; the antennae nearly as long as the head and
thorax ; the pubescence on the disk of the thorax is of a reddish-
brown, palest at the sides ; the pubescence on the legs is of the same
colour, but still paler ; the wings are iridescent, and slightly clouded
at their margins. Abdomen ovate, convex ; the margins of the seg-
ments, excepting the basal, have a narrow pale marginal fringe ; be-
neath they are piceous, and are ciliated with pale hair ; the apex of
the abdomen is fulvous. In fine specimens similar to the one described
the basal segment is pubescent at the sides, and its margin has a slight
lateral fringe.
The specimens described were captured in coitu, are highly coloured
and recently developed : the pubescence of both sexes is frequently
much paler, particularly that of the male, on which it is often found
quite white : the male also varies considerably in size. I consider
Mr. Kirby's Melitta ovatula and M. contigua to be varieties of the
male. This is one of the most abundant species of the genus, and
appears to be generally distributed. I have always observed it to
Insects. 1929
burrow in the level ground, particularly in sandy situations : I do not
remember ever to have detected it burrowing in sloping banks, which
many of the species of this genus usually prefer.
Sp. 68. Andrena fuscata.
Melittafuscata, Kirby.
Female. — (Length 4j lines). Black; the pubescence on the face
fulvous, on the vertex it is fuscous ; the antennae beneath slightly pi-
ceous. Thorax, on the disk the pubescence is fuscous, and fulvous
on the sides and on the metathorax laterally ; the tegulae nigro-piceous ;
the wings hyaline, slightly clouded at their margins ; the legs beneath
are nigro-piceous, their pubescence very pale fulvous, as is also the
floccus ; the scopa fulvous ; the tarsi dark ferruginous. Abdomen
sub-ovate, convex, shining, and finely punctured ; the margins have a
pale or white marginal fringe, the anterior broadly, and the second
generally, more or less interrupted.
Male. — (Length 4 lines). Black ; the face has a fulvous pubescence,
that on the thorax is more inclining to pale fuscous ; the wings hya-
line, iridescent, and slightly clouded at their apical margins ; the legs
are clothed with a similar pubescence to that of the thorax; the claws
ferruginous. Abdomen oblong-ovate, shining and finely punctured ;
the margins of the segments, excepting the first, have a pale or some-
times white fringe.
This species closely resembles the A. Afzeliella, but it differs in
having black posterior tibiae ; otherwise I can point out no distin-
guishing marked character. This bee is abundant near London, and
appears to be generally distributed. I have seen specimens captured
in Wales, Scotland, and the Isle of Wight. This species appears in
May, and sometimes I have met with it in April.
Sp. 69. Andrena Afzeliella.
Melitta Afzeliella, Kirby.
Female. — Length 4 J — 5 lines). Black ; the clypeus nearly naked,
a little pale fulvous pubescence on each side along the margin of the
eyes ; the antennae black. Thorax thinly clothed on the disk with
pale fulvous pubescence ; the metathorax fringed on each side with
pale fulvous ; the tegulae nigro-piceous ; the wings sub-hyaline, the
apical margins slightly clouded ; the pubescence on the legs is pale
fulvous ; the posterior tibiae and tarsi, the intermediate tarsi, and api-
1930 Insects.
cal joints of the anterior pair, rufo-fulvous. Abdomen sub-ovate,
finely punctured ; the second, third and fourth segments have a white
marginal fascia, the first interrupted ; the basal segment has sometimes
a little fulvous pubescence at the sides, and a little white at its ex-
treme lateral margin ; the anal fimbria fuscous or slightly fulvous ;
beneath convex, and the margins of the apical segments are ciliated
with rather long fulvous pubescence.
Male. — (Length 4 lines). Black ; the face has a fulvous pubes-
cence, with which the disk of the thorax is also clothed, but rather
paler ; the wings are hyaline, iridescent, and slightly clouded at their
apical margins ; the posterior tarsi, and the apical joints of the inter-
mediate and anterior pairs, rufo-piceous. Abdomen oblong-ovate ;
the margins of the segments have laterally a narrow pale marginal
fascia, the third and fourth sometimes entire.
The male of this species may be distinguished from that of fuscata,
wThich it greatly resembles, by its having the basal joint of the pos-
terior tarsi pale ; in fuscata it is black. This species is very abundant,
and found all over the country : it appears about the beginning of
May.
Sp. 70. Andrena eximia, Smith.
Male. — (Length 4 — 5 lines). Black; the face clothed with black
pubescence ; the clypeus coarsely punctured ; the mandibles long,
arcuate, and having an acute tooth at their base about a line in length ;
antennae as long as the head and thorax, the joints arcuate. Thorax
thinly clothed on the disk with pale fulvous pubescence, finely punc-
tured, with large distinct punctures intermixed ; the tegulae black ;
the wings hyaline, the nervures testaceous, a slight cloud at their api-
cal margins ; the legs clothed with pale fulvous pubescence ; the tarsi
dark ferruginous. Abdomen oblong-ovate, the margins of the first and
third, and the whole of the second segment red, having a longitudinal
dark stain in the centre ; the margins of the 'remaining segments
piceous.
Two specimens of this insect were captured by Mr. Heales this
season, I believe in April : I believe them to be unique in that gentle-
man's cabinet: they bear a very close resemblance to A. Rosae, and
might be supposed at first sight to be its male, but A. Rosae is not
found until the end of summer, about August : I captured it this year
in that month, in company with the male which I have assigned to it.
A. eximia also resembles the banded varieties of A. spinigera, but
Insects. 1931
in that species the posterior tarsi are long, slender and pale ; in the
present species they are short, stout and dark-coloured.
Although I possess several specimens of the present genus which I
have not described, yet I think it very probable that further observa-
tion will prove some to belong to females described in the present
papers, and I am unwilling to increase species unnecessarily. I shall
probably find it necessary to describe a few more species in an appen-
dix to my Descriptions of British Bees.
Frederick Smith.
5, High Street, Newington,
October, 1847.
Note on the large Wood Ant. — On the 11th ult. I was walking along a Devonshire
lane (these lanes seem more like inlets to the abodes of the blessed than aught else),
and saw many young colonies of the large brown ant : I disturbed one, and, stooping
down to smell more nearly the odour which they emit, felt something sprinkling my
face like very minute rain : I desired my companion to approximate his person, in
order to undergo the like aspersion, and he had no sooner done so than he bounded
up like a startled Arab, yelling amain : portions of the ascending shower had entered
his eyes, causing intense pain. I put down my hand, and could feel the cool particles
sprinkling it all over. Then I let some of the ants crawl upon my stick; and as I
watched them I was somewhat astonished to see them alter their position, by standing
nearly upright, propping themselves up by their obese extremity and two hinder legs,
thus bringing their sting to bear on the point, and then squirting out a clear liquid
from their mouth to the distance of some six or eight inches : altogether they looked
in a decidedly milling attitude. This liquid, as I suppose, is formic acid : it has a
pungency, both as regards feeling and smell, perhaps superior to muriatic : I judge
by the keenness with which it affected my nasal nerves. I take it this power of ejecting
an offensive matter is given them by Nature as a defence : the skunk of America sends
out a suffocating stench when attacked ; and it is said that the fox, as a last resource,
offends the eyes of the hounds by a disagreeable application. Mr. Waterton disallows
that the weasel tribe have this faculty as a defence, and asks " at what old Granny's
fireside the information was picked up." I fancy he must be a bold man, and girt
with a panoply of Nature's lore, who would call in question the opinion of that
" amiable and enterprising naturalist," as he has been aptly called. Although an ant
and a weasel are different beings, yet they each have the power of emitting strong
odours ; which odours perhaps stand them in the room of weapons of defence to them-
selves (certainly of offence to other animals), without being offensive to their respective
owners. A Sussex naturalist told me that he once nearly lost his breath by bending
over a large nest which he had disturbed, the fume acting like carbonic acid. I have
seen the nests entire in a wood near Edmonton, built of fir leaves, &c, and conical,
rising three feet high on a base of about eighteen inches or two feet. — Henry Daniell ;
Exeter, September 16, 1847.
1932 Insects.
Postscript to Dr. Schauni's Revision of British Hydrocantharidce. — Since my paper
on the British Hydrocantharidae went to press, my attention has been called to the
description of a species by Mr. Babington, in the ' Annals and Magazine of Natural
History;' and this affords me the opportunity of severely reprobating the practice of
publishing, in the innumerable numbers of the very numerous periodical journals,
isolated descriptions, which are thus certain to escape the notice of the monographer
and systematic entomologist. Who would load his memory with such notices ? The
reader is requested to make the following additions to my paper (Zool. 1887).
Page 1888, line 23, for ericetorum read subalpinus.
„ line 24, for caerulescensrmrf cyanipennis.
line 25, for Wal. read Watlt.
„ line 33, add the name of Mr. Waterhouse, of the British Museum.
Genus Agabus, Leach, Erichs.
Page 1894, after the sixth species, A. affinis, Payk., make the following addition.
6*. A. striolatus, Gyll., Aube.
Col. rectus, Babington, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. vi. 53.
I have compared specimens of the Colymbetes rectus of Babington, in the cabinets
of Messrs. Stephens and Wollaston, and find it to agree perfectly with the elaborate
descriptions of A. striolatus of Gyllenhall and Dr. Aube. — H. Schaum ; London, Sep-
tember, 1847.
Notes on the British Species of Pselaphidce. By H. Schaum, M.D., Sec. Ent. Soc.
of Stettin, &c.
Since the publication of Denny's treatise on the Pselaphidae, in 1825, this group
of small Coleoptera has been the object of careful researches of several distinguished
entomologists. Dr. Aube has published, at two different periods (1834 and 1844),
monographs of it, the former in Guerin's ' Magazin de Zoologie,' the latter in the
* Annales de la Societe Entomologique de France.' Erichson has described most
precisely the genera and species occurring in the Mark Brandenburgh ; and lately
Baron Chaudois has given an enumeration of the species found near Kiew, in Russia,
in the ' Bulletin de la Societe Imperiale des Naturalistes de Moscou.' It may, there-
fore, not appear inopportune to submit the British species of this group to a short re-
vision, in order to render the nomenclature of these authors concordant.
Of the six genera, Euplectus, Bythinus, Areopagus, Tychus, Bryaxis and Psela-
phus, established in this group by Dr. Leach, five are universally adopted, the sixth,
Areopagus, offering no characters of any importance, having been united with Bythinus
by all the continental authors.
In Denny's monograph of the genus Euplectus eight species are described, viz.,
E. Reichenbachii, Denny, sanguineus, Denny, Karstenii, Reich., signatus, Reich.,
Kirbii, Denny, pusillus, Denny, bicolor, Denny, brevicornis, Denny. Of these, E. bre-
vicornis has been made by Dr. Aube the type of a separate genus, Trimium; E.
Reichenbachii is the Pselaphus nanus previously described by Reichenbach, and
E. pusillus is identical with P. ambiguus of the same author. E. Kirbii, regarded by
Erichson and Aube as not sufficiently distinct from E. signatus, had also been sunk ;
but on carefully examining the typical specimen of that species contained in the
Insects. 1933
British Museum, I found that it does not belong to E. signatus, but to the species
described by Aube under the name of E. Fischeri. Denny having overlooked its
principal character, viz., the little fovea on the vertex, it is not surprising that E.
Kirbii has been mistaken by those who had no opportunity of seeing the original spe-
cimen. To this list of Euplectus Mr. Stephens added in his ' Manual ' a supposed
new species, named by him E. ruficornis i I have examined it in Mr. Stephens's own
cabinet, and cannot consider it different from E. ambiguus, Reich, (pusillus, Denny).
E. sanguineus, Denny, is stated by Mr. Stephens to be E. minutus, Marsh., but the
specimen of the latter in Mr. Stephens's collection seems to me to belong to E. sig-
natus. Another species of this genus is the E. Easterbrookianus, Leach, but the cha-
racters published by Dr. Leach being so short as not to enable any one to recognize
this insect, and the typical specimen being lost, I think it should be erased from the
list of British species. There remain seven species of Euplectus and one of Trimium.
I have, however, found that the specimen in the British Museum, named by Dr. Leach
E. Kunzei, and referred by Mr. Denny to E. brevicornis, is distinct from that species,
and belongs to the Trimium brevipenne lately described by Baron Chaudoir, which
differs from T. brevicorne in its yellow colour, and also in the figure of the elytra,
which are shorter and notched at the apex.
Of the genus Bythinus Mr. Denny enumerates three, and of Areopagus four, spe-
cies, viz., B. Curtisii, Denny, securiger, Reich., Burrellii, Denny, A. bulbifer, Reich.,
clavicornis, Panz,, puncticollis, Denny, glabricollis, Reich. Of this number A. gla-
bricollis is to be deducted, being only the female of A. bulbifer, and distinct from the
true glabricollis, Reich., which is the female of clavicornis. Mr. Stephens has added
a supposed new species to the former genus, named by him B. grandipalpus, which,
however, is nothing but the female of B. Curtisii.
Of the genus Tychus one representative only has been recorded as British. I have
seen, however, in the collection of Mr. Wollaston, several specimens, taken in the
south of England, which belong to T. ibericus, Victor, Aube (dichrous, Schmidt), a
species chiefly distinguished from T. nigerbyits red elytra and pale legs and antenna?,
and which may perhaps be only a climatic variety of niger.
The genus Bryaxis is, according to Mr. Denny, represented in Great Britain by
seven species, viz., B. longicornis, Leach, sanguinea, Reich., impressa, Panz., fossu-
lata, Reich., haematica, Reich., juncorum, Leach, nigriventris, Denny. Of these
B. nigriventris is identical with Pselaphus venustus, Reich., and belongs to Dr. Aube's
genus Batrisus, sufficiently distinguished from Bryaxis, which has a single claw only
on each tarsus, by having the tarsi terminated with two claws of unequal size. The
above number of species is further to be reduced, as B. longicornis is only the male of
B. longicornis [sic. Ed.] Mr. Curtis added two other species, viz., B. assimilis, Curtis,
and sulcicollis, Reich. As to the former, which I know only by Mr. Curtis's careful
description, I have little doubt it is the Bryaxis haemoptera lately described by Dr.
Aube, of which species I have seen several British specimens, taken by Mr. Wollaston
in the Isle of Portland. If it should prove to be so the name given by Mr. Curtis
must stand. B. sulcicollis, beautifully figured by Mr. Curtis, is not the true Pselaphus
sulcicollis, Reich. (Euplectus sulcicollis, Erichs., Aube), but a species very closely al-
lied to it, which has lately been described by Dr. Aube under the name of Euplectus
Maeskelii. Baron Chaudoir first observed that E. sulcicollis differs generically both
from Euplectus and Bryaxis in the structure of its claws, which are of very unequal
size, still more so than in Batrisus, and proposed to form a new genus under the name
v 3 B
1934 Insects.
Trichonyx. Into this genus also E. Maeskelii, Aube" (sulcicollis, Curtis) enters. Mr.
Stephens still refers to the genus Bryaxis the Pselaphus insignis of Reichenbach,
which is, however, identical with Tyrus mucronatus, Panz., Aube", and not yet found
in Great Britain. The specimen named insignis in Mr. Stephens's collection is not
distinct from juncorum.
Of the four species of Pselaphus admitted by Denny, viz., Heisei, Herbst, Herbstii,
Reich., dresdensis, Herbst, longicollis, Reich., two have been sunk by Erichson and
Aube as not being sufficiently distinct, P. Herbstii into Heisei, and P. longicollis into
dresdensis.
Thus the number actually known of British Pselaphidae amounts to twenty-seven,
viz., Pselaphus two, Bryaxis six, Trichonyx one, Batrisus one, Tychus two, Bythinus
six, Euplectus seven, and Trimium two species.
I take advantage of this opportunity to add a few observations on some species of
Scydmaenus, described as new by British entomologists. According to typical speci-
mens which I have examined, S. Wighamii, Denny, is angulatus, Kunze (impressus,
Sahib., Gyll.) ; S. ruficomis, Denny, is denticornis, Kunze, $ ; S. Dennii, Steph., is
denticornis, Kunze, $\ S. punctipennis, Steph., is collaris, Kunze.
H. Schaum.
October, 1847.
Notes on the Coleoptera of the South of Dorsetshire.
By T. Vernon Wollaston, Esq., B.A., F.L.S.
That local faunae (and therefore approximations to them) are of the
greatest benefit to science cannot be doubted for a moment, seeing
that by means of them only it is that we are enabled to arrive at the
more important results of general geographical distribution. No mat-
ter as to the size of the area, whether large or small, which we inves-
tigate, the result must of necessity be valuable. For when we reflect
how important the fauna of England, or of any other country, is in
determining the range of species over the surface of the earth, and
when we also consider that the fauna of England is itself but a local
fauna when compared with that of the world, we must at once be con-
vinced that the same principle of importance attaches itself to areas
of smaller magnitude than England, seeing that the very smallest of
them combines with the rest in making up the general mass. On this
account it is that I have always made it the principal object of my
yearly excursions, not merely to collect specimens promiscuously,
without reference to the localities from whence they came, but to keep
accurate notes of all the species (whether retained or not) which I
observed, together with the precise localities in which each occurred,
in order that, on after examination, and when taken into consideration
Insects. 1935
with the geology of the different districts, something like broad results
regarding their general distribution might, without difficulty, be ar-
rived at.
In former volumes of the 'Zoologist' I have had the pleasure of
recording some rough observations on the Coleoptera of the South of
Ireland, of Lundy Island, and also of South Wales. I hope shortly
to add to these North Wales and the Cotswold Hills; and in the
meantime beg to offer a few remarks on the Coleoptera of the South
of Dorsetshire, which, during the past May and June (thanks to the
kindness of my friend, the Rev. Osmond Fisher of Dorchester), I have
had excellent opportunities of investigating. I feel somewhat reluc-
tant, however, in offering observations on the insects of a county
which has been worked, through so many years, with such diligence
and success, by my kind and valued friend J. C. Dale, Esq., of Glan-
ville's Wootton. Nevertheless, as his district lies somewhat to the
north of that which is the subject of the present treatise, and as re-
marks of this kind do not interfere with each other, but are more
likely to corroborate what may have been previously advanced than
oppose it, I feel considerably relieved, and less of a trespasser on for-
bidden ground.
To define, then, the boundaries of my area, I would merely remark
that my field of action lies principally in the neighbourhood of Dor-
chester, and, stretching southwards, is "bounded" by the English
Channel. The Isle of Portland, the far-famed Chesil Bank, and the
neighbourhood of Weymouth, were my most productive localities on
the coast, while obscure spots in the vicinity of Dorchester and Brid-
port produced me the greatest number of inland riches. I ought to
state, however, that on arriving in the county my best collecting
grounds were immediately pointed out to me by the Rev. Osmond
Fisher, whose keen geological eye (though himself not an entomolo-
gist) at once distinguished the good localities from the bad, and whose
accurate acquaintance with the whole country, in which he has been
so long accustomed to pursue his favourite science, rendered his as-
sistance to me, I need scarcely add, particularly valuable.
The weather being remarkably propitious, and my time entirely at
my own disposal, I commenced my observations under the most fa-
vourable circumstances ; and being especially anxious to explore the
riches of the far-famed Chesil Bank (which I will take first into con-
sideration), I soon found my way into the neighbourhood of Wey-
mouth. It is, as most people are aware, a long ridge of pebbles,
connecting the Isle of Portland with the mainland. For eight miles
1936 Insects.
it runs alongside, and is parallel to, the shore. Its length in all is
about ten miles ; but the collecting ground, which is somewhat less
than one mile, is not properly a part of the bank itself, but a quantity
of sand-hills attached to that point of its course where the back-waters
(which fill up the space between it and the actual coast) find their
exit, through a narrow mouth, into the open sea. These sand-hills
form in fact one side of the mouth of this long and river-like gulph ;
and a wooden bridge, over which the high-road from Weymouth to
Portland passes, connects them with the opposite land. The geogra-
phy will be best understood by referring to a map. On these sand-
hills have been captured all the rarities which are recorded as inhabit-
ing the "Chesil Bank." Commencing at the mouth of the back-water
above described, they run for nearly a mile in the direction of Port-
land, alongside and attached to the bank itself. The chief collecting
is from beneath the stones, where an immense variety of rare species
may be obtained. But I had also excellent sport in examining mi-
nutely many of the small plants which grow, interspersed with the
coarse grass, amongst the sand, almost each of which seemed to pro-
duce something or other peculiar to itself.
On a dwarf species of Erodium I had here the satisfaction of dis-
covering a very beautiful little Curculio, which, through the kindness
of my friend Mr. Walton, I have since ascertained to be an entirely
new species to the British fauna, — the Phytonomus mixtus of Schbn-
herr. The mode of procuring them was very fatiguing. Attaching
themselves generally to the under-sides of the leaves, directly the
plant was moved they fell to the ground, and were buried in the sand
below, from whence they could be alone obtained by examining it
carefully in very small quantities at a time. I captured in all between
thirty and forty specimens, but only on the species of Erodium above
referred to.
More difficult still to descry, from its peculiar habitat and exact re-
semblance in colour to the sand, was a very large and beautiful spe-
cies of Tychius, which I have not yet been able to determine (but
apparently allied to flavicollis), and which I found adhering closely to
the lower part of the stems of a small species of grass. So firmly do
they cling, that it is not easy to disturb them from their hold ; and
when they do fall, which sometimes they may be made to do by
brushing the grass suddenly with a stick, it is most difficult to detect
them.
Crawling in the same localities, the minute Micronyx Jungermannii
may be sparingly picked up ; and on two occasions I found it by
Insects. 1937
searching closely into the sandy hollows, where it doubtless had been
drifted by the wind, and was endeavouring, though to no purpose, to
scale the sides. That very local and interesting insect, Omophlus
Armeriae, was here in abundance ; though " on the flower of the thrift,"
which is said to be its peculiar habitat, I could not find a single spe-
cimen, although that plant was in great profusion and in full flower at the
time. I usually found them crawling rapidly over the grass, and, in
many instances, congregated beneath the stones, where, however, they
must only have been taking shelter from the heat of the sun, and could
not under such circumstances have been in their legitimate position.
In one single afternoon I captured about sixty specimens.
But the most interesting ground is yet to be described. When the
tide is out there is a large sandy flat, close to the bridge (above re-
corded as passing over the mouth of the long gulph or back-water),
and joining on to the commencement of the sand-hills we have been
just discussing. Whilst observing the beautiful undulations in the
sand, caused by the action of the water as it receded over its surface,
I beheld almost an innumerable quantity of minute holes or perfora-
tions scattered in every direction around me. This led me to investi-
gate their meaning, and, on gently opening one of them with a pen-
knife, I discovered a specimen of Cillenum laterale at the distance of
about a quarter of an inch below. The sun then began to shine, and
in less than a minute I beheld a scene which it will not be easy to
forget. I had been accustomed to look upon Cillenum laterale as one
of our rarest maritime insects, and had never seen it in a living state
before : but here, in almost an instant, as it were by magic, I found
myself surrounded by an innumerable multitude of them, running ra-
pidly over the sand, from hole to hole, in every conceivable direction.
In my ecstacy at such a%sight, and in my flurry to secure as many as
possible, I grabbed at five or six of them at once, and of course, as a
recompense for my avarice, was some time before I could secure even
one ! At length, however, becoming cooler, I learned to catch them
more scientifically, and in a very few minutes I had above one hun-
dred specimens in my bottle, which began to satisfy me, and I passed
on. But I had not proceeded many yards before something else, glis-
tening even brighter still, caught my attention. This I instantly
recognized as my old friend Dyschirius thoracicus, and therefore I was
immediately on the qui vive for his comrade Hesperophilus, who, as
usual, did not deceive me, for verily I never beheld an insect in greater
profusion in my life : in some parts the sand was literally alive with
1938 Insects.
them. If Cillenum laterale occurred (as it did) by thousands, surely
Hesperophilus arenarius existed by tens of thousands ! Towards the
evening they were the most abundant, but in such profusion did they
inhabit the sand that at all times some at least of them appeared on
the alert. It gave me the greatest satisfaction to observe the mixture
of Dyschirii and Hesperophili on a scale so gigantic, because it bore
the most substantial and incontrovertible evidence to opinions which
I had before expressed in the ' Zoologist,' when discussing the habits
of the Dyschirii. Nor was Hesperophilus the only companion of
that group with Dyschirius, for in the same locality I discovered,
though in less profusion, the beautiful and conspicuous Bledius arma-
tus. And I may here mention that, in company wTith thoracicus, I
took a single specimen of Dyschirius salinus, a species which was not
before recorded as British, though taken sparingly for some years past
by Mr. Haliday in the north of Ireland, and common enough, I am
told by Dr. Schaum, in salt places throughout Germany and Prussia.
But, since time and space fail me, let us leave now for a moment the
sandy flats, on which the tide has allowed us so leisurely to roam,
and return in haste to the adjoining sand-hills, where we left Omo-
phlus Armerise asleep beneath the stones.
It is difficult to find language sufficiently strong to express the
riches of this entomological " oasis," where, surrounded as if by a
"desert" of bleak and shifting pebbles, everything that is rare and
interesting seems to be congregated in a living mass. Like other
place's, it unquestionably is not equally productive at all periods of
the year, for it has been whispered to me by a friend of no mean re-
putation, that times have been, and experienced by him, when the
Chesil Bank was as barren and unprolific as the pebbles which sur-
round it. But I am now speaking of the height of the season, which,
in sandy districts on the coast, I conceive to be about the latter end
of May, — the exact period of the year during which I had the good
fortune to be there. I repeat, therefore, that I am only vouching for
the proper season, and for my own captures during that particular
season. Were I asked to recount what I had met with, 1 could pro-
duce a list long enough to do justice to any locality in the country,
and certainly of sufficient extent to weary the readers of the ' Zoolo-
gist,' as they waded through its dry details. I shall therefore content
myself by recording only a very few of the more interesting species
which I observed, selecting particularly those which are most charac-
teristic of the locality I am describing. Thus, for instance, I will
Insects. 1939
notice the following, which, with one or two exceptions, occurred in
tolerable abundance, and some in the greatest profusion, for the most
part beneath the stones.
Dromius fasciatus Aphodius haemorrhoidalis
Licinus Silphoides Cardiophorus Equiseti
Calathus fuscus Necrobia ruficollis
Pogonus uhalceus Mecinus circulatus
Broscus cephalotes Hypera dissimilis
Curtonotus convexiusculus variabilis
Harpalus serripes Plantaginis
melancholicus Phytonomus mixtus
anxius Micronyx Jungermannii
neglectus (Dej.) Otiorhynchus rugifrons
Actephilas vernalis Sitona fusca
Ophonus pubescens Coccinella 11-punctata
Masoreus luxatus Crypticus quisquilius
Dermestes tessellatus Phaleria cadaverina
Simplocaria semistriata Omophlus Armerire
Saprinus aeneus Anthicus fenestratus ? {Dej.)
Leaving this rich locality, and proceeding over the bridge towards
Weymouth, we find ourselves on another sandy flat, called the Small-
mouth Sands, and forming the opposite side of the mouth of the nar-
row gulph we have before alluded to. These sands are in continuity
with the beach along which we have to pass, and may in fact be
looked upon as forming part of the beach itself, which at low water
is left dry to rather a greater extent than usual. From this point to
the ruins of Sandfoot Castle, where our road leaves the shore, a rich
field is before us ; though, singularly enough, scarcely any of the rare
insects which occur on the Chesil Bank are found here. With the
exception of Phaleria cadaverina, a single specimen of which occurred
here, I can recall but three species which I observed as common to
the two localities, viz., Cardiophorus Equiseti, Philan gibbus, and
Dyschirius thoracicus : everything else was totally distinct. Argutor
longicollis was in the utmost profusion, but not a specimen on the
other side of the bridge ; also Cleonus sulcirostris, ^Egialia globosa,
Opatrum sabulosum, Otiorhynchus atro-apterus, &c; whereas of such
species as Harpalus serripes, anxius and neglectus, Cillenum laterale,
Omophlus Armeriae, Otiorhynchus rugifrons, and the little black An-
thicus, which were in the greatest abundance on the sands adjoining
the Chesil Bank, not so much as an example was to be seen.
But as space fails me, and having now noticed the most remarkable
Coleoptera of this immediate district, I will quit these sandy flats with
1940 Insects.
reluctance, and, changing my position, dwell no longer on their riches.
May I therefore request my readers to accompany me a few miles in-
land, and take up their position in the old Roman amphitheatre which
overlooks the ancient town of Dorchester ? If, standing on the sides
of this venerable mound, they turn their backs on Dorchester, and
gaze to the south-east, their eye will rest on what they believe to be a
secluded valley, shut in between two chalk-hills of considerable
height. Its position is at once defined by a quantity of large trees,
the tops alone of which are seen, but which are sufficiently apparent,
amidst the bleak little hills which surround them, to point out its ex-
istence. This valley, which forms part of an old manor called Her-
ringstone, was the chief scene of my entomological researches in this
neighbourhood. It is one of those remarkable positions, so common
in the chalk formations, which produce what in Dorsetshire have ob-
tained the name of " Winterbourns," i. e. streams which flow during
the winter and spring only, — no vestige being left of them in the
summer, except an unusual degree of luxuriance and rankness of ve-
getation. Well aware of its peculiarity, this was the very first posi-
tion fixed upon by the Rev. Osmond Fisher, who conducted me to it
immediately upon my arrival, as the most promising locality in the
vicinity of Dorchester. Thus, having explained the position, which
when the locality is a remote one I think it more particularly neces-
sary to do, I will subjoin a short list (selected from a very long one)
of some of the more interesting species which this valley produced,
and then make a few observations on one or two contained in it.
Dyschirius gibbus Gymnaetron Beccabungae
Clilacnius nigricornis Veronicae
vestitus niger (Germar.)
Agonum viduum Cleopus pulchellus
emarginatum Nedyus flovalis
picipes melanarius
Omaseus anthracinus Poopbagus Sysimbrii
Oodes Helopoides Rhinonchus bracboides
Lopha pcecila Pbytobius 4-tubevculatus
Elaphrus cupreus Hydronomus Alismatis
Colymbetes fontinalis Hypera Pollux
uliginosus Tanisphirus Lemnae
Octbebius pygmaeus Callidium Alni
Panius prolefericornis Thyamis lutescens
Cyclonotum orbiculave Haltica antennata
Micropeplus porcatus 4-guttata
Syncalypta arenaria Philontbus rubripennis.
Byrrbus sericeus
Insects. 1941
Of these, the rare Gymnaetron Beccabunga?, which I had never
before taken, was in great profusion, and was found in company
with Poophagus Sisymbrii and Nedyus floralis. Gymnaetron niger
{Germar) was also abundant; but of the very rare and interesting
Gymnaetron Veronica? I could obtain but a single pair, though I
worked the locality to the utmost. For my own part I confess I
should have doubted its being really distinct from niger, for red dashes
on the elytra seem naturally peculiar, more or less, to the whole genus;
and I should therefore have suspected, had occasional aberrations
from a black type existed (which is not unlikely), that those aberra-
tions would probably assume a form which is so common in the other
species of the generic group. However, on the authority of such emi-
nent entomologists as Dr. Germar and Mr. Walton, I rest satisfied.
Of the minute and remarkable Syncalypta arenaria I also obtained
but a single pair. Unlike most of the Byrrhidae, they run with great
celerity when aroused, though, in common with the rest of the group,
they counterfeit death for an enormous length of time when caught;
under these circumstances, with their legs tightly engrooved beneath,
they can scarcely be distinguished, at first sight, from small seeds or
globose particles of dirt. Of the very rare Colymbetes fontinalis,
which was pointed out to me by Dr. Schaum, I captured but one speci-
men. It is distinguished from its congeners by a very remarkable
and distinct tooth in the inner curvature of the front claw, — a charac-
ter which was first detected by Dr. Schaum himself, and to whose
kindness I am indebted for the information.
But, leaving Herringstone, which, as 1 before intimated, was my
best inland locality, I will give merely a hasty glance at my captures
in other directions. The water-meadows in the neighbourhood of
Dorchester produce, apparently, only the ordinary insects which are
peculiar to such situations. Hosts of the common Donaciae and Ga-
lerucse, abundance of Atomariae (chiefly dimidiata), oceans of Ephis-
temi, vast quantities of Hypolithus riparius, Poophagus Sisymbrii,
Erirhinus Nereis, Hypera Pollux and Rumicis, and the black Agonum
emarginatum of Gyllenhall, forming the most prominent part of the
coleopterous inhabitants, next to such species as would be certain to
occur by tens of thousands in every locality of that description.
Towards Bridport I had tolerable success, but chiefly in a small
and romantic valley in the parish of Powerstock. On the edges of
the stream which winds through this very beautiful retreat, Peryphus
cseruleus (Dej.) may be taken in great profusion,— an insect exceed-
ingly common throughout Devonshire and the mountainous district of
v 3 c
1942 Insects.
Wales. In the same situation a pair of Parous auriculatus were picked
up by the Rev. Osmond Fisher, who has also for many years past been
accustomed to take a profusion of Copris lunaris, by digging them
from their burrows in the adjoining fields. In the waters of the
stream and the adjacent pools many of the Hydropori occur, particu-
larly 12-punctatus, xanthopus and ovatus : also Haliplus elevatus,
Colymbetes guttatus, and Elmis Volkmari, but more sparingly. On
the coast, not far from Bridport harbour, there is a little bay, where
the river Freshwater falls into the sea. I there captured the very rare
and local Dromius quadrillum; also a large colony of the Hemip-
terous insect Tingis capitata ; but, with these exceptions, most of the
species were of common occurrence. The same might be said of the
coast on the other side of Portland, which, being for the most part
high and rocky, is but ill calculated to produce any great variety of
species, far less to rival the riches which abound so profusely on the
sandy flats. Still a few good things may be taken at the sides of the
small streams which trickle down the cliffs and bring with them a
certain amount of soil, which they deposit as they go. In such situ-
ations, at Osmington, I captured the local and interesting Tachys mi-
nutissimus, where hosts of Lopha 4-guttata and the common Peryphi
may be observed, with occasional specimens of Cicindela campestris
glancing rapidly over the slopes.
Before, however, I close my remarks, I must be allowed to add one
word on the Coleoptera of the Isle of Portland itself. The Chesil
Beach below, and the adjacent flats, we have already discussed. But
here we are far above them, on a high rocky island, which may be
more aptly compared to an enormous stone-quarry than to anything
else. Though in the immediate vicinity of a district so prolific, ento-
mologically speaking it is but a poor locality. Bleak rocks and a
shallow soil seldom produce much, albeit &few things may perchance
occur sufficient to repay a slight investigation ; and this was precisely
the case here. Though I had not very favourable opportunities of
exploring the island, still I did work it sufficiently to satisfy myself
that by far the greatest portion of its Coleoptera were of the very
commonest description. Brachinus crepitans, Ophonus obscurus,
and the common Harpali, teemed beneath the stones, while hosts of
Malachii might be observed in the sunshine, crawling to and fro upon
the stone walls. At the extreme point of the island, called Portland
Bill, a very large and elongate variety of the common Agriotes spu-
tator occurs beneath the stones ; and in the same position, in company
with a species of ant, I had the good fortune to capture several speci-
Classification . 1943
mens of a new Bryaxis to the British fauna, — the Bryaxis haemoptera
of Aube. It is a very interesting and beautiful little species, somewhat
allied at first sight to haematica, though, on examination, totally dis-
tinct, and belonging to the division of Aube's arrangement where the
middle fovea of the thorax is as large as the lateral ones.
But I will now conclude my observations on the Coleoptera of this
remarkable district, though, were space at my disposal, I could go on
to enumerate many species both of rarity and interest, such as Hydro-
porus confluens and memnonius, Meligethes Dulcamaras, Ptinus im-
perialis, Gymnaetron Graminis, Phyllobius viridicollis, Apion vernale
and ebeninum, Chrysomela distinguenda, Cafius Fucicola, &c, which
occurred for the most part singly and in localities widely separated
from each other. I might indeed recount a series of captures, con-
taining amongst them Eubria palustris, Aphanisticus pusillus, An-
thonomus pomorum, Oxystoma Genistas, Mylaechus brunneus, Cassida
Vibex and sanguinolenta, Thyamis Holsatica, &c, made during a
visit to my friend J. C. Dale, Esq., of Glanville's Wootton, — but I will
make no remarks upon them, first, because that district has been suffi-
ciently well explored already by Mr. Dale himself, and secondly, be-
cause Glanville's Wootton is in the north of the county, whereas this
paper professes to be an account of the Coleoptera only of the south.
I can only add, that if this communication be deemed of sufficient
interest to induce entomologists to visit next year the district of which
it treats, or if it be of any service to them whatever in pointing out,
wThile there, the exact habitats of those species which I have enume-
rated, my object will be fully answered, and I shall consider myself
repaid.
T. V. Wollaston.
Jesus College, Cambridge,
September 1, 1847.
An Essay on Classification. By H. N. Turner, Jun., Esq.
The science of Natural History is by many considered to be one
of pure observation, and by some perhaps not a little undervalued on
that account, as being less calculated to call forth the higher powers
of intellect than other branches of knowledge comparatively more ab-
stract in their nature. It must be admitted that Natural History, as
pursued by a very considerable majority of its votaries, does consist
1 944 Classification .
almost exclusively of the record of facts ; but such is, and must be,
the groundwork of all those branches of study that lead us to a
knowledge of the laws by which the material world is, and has been,
regulated, from a beginning which we cannot yet conceive.
Our mental existence is so closely dependant on our physical sensi-
bilities, that it is only through the special contrivances which the body
affords that we can possibly become acquainted with the nature and
properties of things around us ; the effects made apparent to our senses
must then, it is obvious, be the source from which all ideas proceed,
and it is in them alone that we can expect to find that alphabet, in
which, by the exercise of our intellectual powers, we read the causes,
from the most immediate to the most remote, and deduce, from the
earliest periods of which we can obtain a knowledge, the course of
operations whereby the present state of what we see is brought
about.
Perhaps it is our duty still further to admit, that, in this progress
from facts to generalizations and laws, Natural History is far from
being foremost among the sciences : the objects of which it treats are
so numerous, and the circumstances respecting each are so many, that
long must be the series of observations, and great must be the labour
and judgment bestowed in their arrangement, before any satisfactory
conclusions can be reached. And it is but in times comparatively
modern that this branch of knowledge can be said to have risen to
sufficient rank to be looked upon as a science at all : its cultivators
among the ancients were few ; the facts they collected were loose, and
often mixed with fable ; the general contempt in which the observa-
tion of Nature was at that time esteemed retarded its steps, so that
no generalizations could be effected. As knowledge, however, began
to increase, it was found that Nature could only be rightly understood
by careful and unwearied observation of effects, that the inductive
process must precede the deductive, and, therefore, it was necessary
to descend awhile from those heights of purely abstract science, which
the pride of the ancient schools considered as alone worthy to be at-
tained by man. Facts then began to accumulate, and the examination
of Nature's forms showed them so abundant and so various that it
defied the power of unassisted memory to retain them ; a sufficient
number of names could not be found to designate them ; and the want
of terms extensive, and at the same time sufficiently definite, in their
application, rendered the enunciation of general propositions difficult.
It is not surprising that the different degrees of resemblance exist-
ing among the forms of organized beings were then made use of, to
Classification. 1945
group them into larger and subordinate divisions, each recognizable
by some character possessed in common by the species included, to
which a name could be applied, expressing at once a large number of
different forms, and rendering the maze into which the naturalist was
led a little less intricate. The science continuing to advance, having
received fresh impetus from the introduction of this useful help, the
imperfections of the system adopted were soon perceived, while at the
same time the facilities which Nature gave for the arrangement of her
forms maintained the universal opinion that she had a classification
of her own, and to discover it was a goal, the attainment of which was
by many considered as constituting the entire philosophy of the
science. One set of naturalists, at a time not long gone by, and in-
cluding some of the most eminent of their day, firmly believed it was
attained ; and as confidently maintained that Nature's arrangement
was circular, as it had formerly been considered to be linear, even
specifying the number of forms, or groups of forms, requisite to make
a circle complete, and holding out that all that remained to be disco-
vered was the links that still were wanting, yet must either exist, or
have existed at some period since the commencement of organic life
upon our globe. In short, had this enchanting dream of a discovery
at all savoured of reality, the whole science of Natural History would
have been very comparable to some of those well-established princi-
ples in Natural Philosophy, the effects of whose operation may always
be predicted, in cases which neither observation nor experiment has
ever yet realized before our senses. There lay in the foundation of
this theory some very erroneous presumptions, the crumbling away of
which was quite sufficient in itself to make the superstructure fall to
the ground : it was contended that the species was the only adopted
division not existing in Nature ; that the higher divisions were per-
fectly natural; and that the rule for ascertaining them was, their
completing the required number of which each circle should consist,
and the correspondence of each group in its own circle with one
forming part of every other throughout the series. Easy indeed is
the task, amidst the innumerable degrees and shades of difference
which creatures of complex organization may present, to select such
characters as, by including a greater or less number of species in each
group, shall bring the number of groups to any standard, such as bi-
nary, ternary, quinary, or whatever our fancy may suggest, and to
hunt out some little peculiarity by which each division may be asso-
ciated with another in a different circle.
Indeed the erroneous nature of many of the " affinities " supposed,
1946 Classification.
and the puerile observations in some cases brought forward to esta-
blish the " analogies," seem almost enough, in the present state of
science, to discountenance the whole idea. But the species, so far
from being the only division which Nature does not warrant, is in fact
that of all others whose limits are most clearly marked : we see, in
very many cases, class united to class, order to order, family to family,
genus to genus, by links of union, while no species, whatever its
range of variation, even though its varieties appear more different
from each other than do two other distinct species, has been ever seen
to blend into another species ; and although the law of sterile hybrids
has been shown to be not without exception, the difficulty of obtain-
ing crosses between species truly different, and their usual incapa-
bility of further propagation, renders it most highly probable that
Nature has placed a limit of her own, though she may occasionally
allow it to be overstepped. Another absurdity, which it now seems
almost waste of words to endeavour to refute, was the notion enter-
tained that Comparative Anatomy, a science which the labours of
Hunter and of Cuvier had just raised to great importance, had no
connexion with Natural History, and did not in any way concern
classification, the external peculiarities being quite sufficient in them-
selves to make out the whole details of the so-called " natural system."
It may perhaps be here sufficient to observe, that so long as the ob-
servations of the naturalist are confined exclusively to the external
appearances presented by the object before him, however useful they
may be as forming part of the series necessary to be made, from their
manifest incompleteness, referring only to a very small portion of the
subject to which they relate, can never give rise to generalizations of
sufficient value to constitute anything worthy to be called a science.
It is true that, when a natural affinity is once established, there will
in many instances be connected with it certain external peculiarities
by which it may be recognized, but such is by no means universally
the case ; and the erroneous nature of many of the supposed affinities
indicated in older classifications, which depended on the external pe-
culiarities alone, together with the disagreement between the different
systems adopted, shows abundantly that the characters on which they
rested were arbitrarily chosen, and therefore could not be safely de-
pended on. I hope that, in making these remarks, I may not be
supposed in any degree to undervalue the exertions of many a talented
and industrious pursuer of Natural History, who may not happen to
have made the anatomy of the creatures on which his observations
have been made a portion of his study ; but should such a one
Classification . 1947
attempt to classify, it should merely be a temporary arrangement,
made to answer some immediate purpose he may have in view.
To revert, however, to the subject of the circular and quinary sys-
tem, it is impossible not to admire the very great ingenuity of the ar-
guments by which it was supported ; but even these, unless it had
possessed some foundation in reality, could not have obtained for it
the very extensive adoption that it was its lot to meet. Nature, al-
though her lines of separation are seldom clearly marked, certainly
does show types of organization in that unity of plan which charac-
terizes her works throughout, and also subordinate types, the species
included in these showing a still closer kind of affinity, in some cases
so distinctly marked that we doubt not for an instant where to fix
their limits ; while in the frequent cases of adaptation to the same
functions of species, or even groups of species, which have less real
affinity with each other than some of them may have with others fitted
for different purposes, " analogies " are by no means imaginary. It is,
however, not only far from being always the case that the limits of the
natural groups are clearly marked, but, so far from Nature pointing
out any particular number of subordinate groups necessary to consti-
tute one of the next degree, the limits of the various degrees of affinity
are themselves of our own establishing. We apply the terms, class,
order, family, &c, to indicate degrees of affinity closer or more re-
mote ; but the instances are few where Nature has so fixed the amount
of difference that we can no longer doubt as to how much is necessary
to constitute a distinct class, still less an order ; indeed the more we
descend into the details, the more difficult it is to draw the lines.
Naturalists are by no means agreed as to what should be the limits of
a genus : this name has been daily made more and more restricted in
its application since the time when classification had its origin, many
naturalists even constituting genera on distinctions so minute and tri-
fling, that, so far from aiding the progress of the science, they are but
an increasing burden on the memory. Again, how difficult it is to
settle what amount of difference is too little, or what too much, to
constitute a family ; and even where it has by general consent been
fixed, it sometimes happens, where the families are numerous, and
do not form among themselves groups which differ widely enough to
rank as orders, that they must be arranged in groups of intermediate
value, to which the name "tribes" has generally been applied. Sub-
classes, sub-orders, sub-families, sub-genera, are all among the attempts
made to accommodate Nature to the definitive orderofour own divisions.
Perhaps the mention of a few easily recognizable instances may
1948 Classification.
make the meaning intended to be conveyed more clearly understood.
The class of birds are united among themselves by a similarity both
of internal organization and external form, far greater than exists
among the members of any other of the classes with which they are
grouped under the vertebrate division, yet no one would deem them
constituting a single order: to call them a sub-class would imply
their ranking under some other class, and this the very great distinc-
tion they present from any other for ever must forbid. A bird is
always known to be a bird, notwithstanding the almost endless variety
the class presents ; but among Mammalia, the vulgar look upon the
bat as the link of bird and beast, mistake Cetacea for fishes, and
the Manis was at one time called a u scaly lizard ; " while in regard
to the two remaining classes, it is even now a matter of dispute among
men profoundly learned, whether the Lepidosiren is a reptile or a fish.
To pursue the illustration from the class of birds, the orders into
which it is divided do not show anything approaching to the amount
of difference from each other that is seen in other classes, and many
of the families, as usually adopted, differ scarcely more among them-
selves than do genera, as elsewhere formed. In any class, some of
the orders are much more difficult to distinguish and to isolate than
others ; the same may be said of the families in any order ; in Mam-
malia, for example, no one wishes to remove any of those species of
which the order Rodentia is formed, or to add to it any of the species
hitherto placed in other orders ; therefore the distinctions which sepa-
rate this order from the rest, and the ties which unite its members
among themselves, must certainly be stronger than those of any other
in the class ; but, on the contrary, naturalists are by no means agreed
as to whether man should form a distinct order of himself, or con-
descend to be associated with those creatures which sometimes seem
as made to caricature his looks and actions; whether the Insectivora
should, or not, be included among the Carnivora, or whether the bats
should rank with them, or the human species should receive some
compensation for his union with the apes, by the association in the
same order of creatures that can soar into the subtle air ; and by the
quinary system, in which it was not unfrequently the case that four
out of the five divisions in a circle were in tolerable accordance with
Nature, while the fifth was a kind of refuge for all such destitute
groups as neither of the others would admit, the Ruminants, originally
made distinct, being united in one order with the Pachydermata and
Edentata ; these have since all been separated, and the question was
but very lately mooted, — should the coalition between the two former
Classi/ica Hon. 1949
again take place. An interesting and remarkable example is also
afforded by the marsupial series, a group united among themselves by
constant and well-marked peculiarities of organization, but presenting
differences much greater than are usually seen between members of
one order, but yet not sufficient to warrant the application of that
term as generally used to any of its subdivisions, and its close alliance
with the other Mammalia forbids its ranking as a class. It is not the
object of this essay to clear up any of the doubtful points just men-
tioned ; but if the reader fully comprehends the meaning of the pro-
position, that, granting affinities and even groups to be natural, the
limits assigned to those degrees of difference and similarity which we
are wont to indicate by definite terms are not, and sees in these exam-
ples the slightest reason for assenting to its truth, the purpose for which
they are brought forward is fulfilled.
That affinities really do exist in nature, it seems scarcely probable
that any one acquainted with the leading facts and generalizations of
Natural History would deny, although differences of opinion may ex-
ist as to their extent ; indeed, were it not so, — that is, were it impos-
sible to classify otherwise than by characters chosen in a purely arbi-
trary manner, — we could not expect to find even that amount of
agreement which actually exists among the almost countless number
of systems that have from time to time been offered for adoption. It
might on first consideration seem easy, by classing together such spe-
cies as present the greatest amount of resemblance, to arrange the
whole series according to their natural affinities, and, by mentioning
the points of resemblance, to characterize the different groups thus
formed ; but this, as every naturalist is aware, is a task of no incon-
siderable difficulty, for among the great number of points of resem-
blance and of distinction to be taken into consideration, a species may
be found to resemble, in different respects, a great many others, and
those differing considerably among themselves. It is not, then, by
the seizing of every character which the eye can perceive, that the
natural affinities are to be ascertained, since by that means the student
is only led into labyrinths more intricate as he advances in his re-
searches : on the other hand, a system founded on the peculiarities of
one set of organs alone, must, from its manifest incompleteness, be
arbitrary, and can only serve as a kind of index of reference, or as an
assistance to the memory. It is obvious, then, that neither of these
methods of classification can ever bring us to a knowledge of the na-
tural affinities, or to an appreciation of the characters by which they
may be ascertained : we must, therefore, have recourse to the study
v 3d
1 950 Classification,
of some higher laws, from which we may deduce rules for our guid-
ance in the selection of the characters on which our system should be
founded.
On the survey of Nature's works, man has throughout been struck
with the wondrous and beautiful series of contrivances and adapta-
tions of means to the ends destined to be brought about ; and with
reference to organized bodies, not only in the structure and allocation
of the parts of which they consist, but in the differences which the
species present, each being in every respect so admirably fitted for
the situation in which it is placed, and the offices it is intended to
perform : this of itself explains, to a considerable extent, the varia-
tions which Nature's forms present, but on a more extended exami-
nation it is perceived that there exist in similar places, and performing
similar functions, creatures which of course resemble each other in
their adaptations to that station and those habits, but yet in their ge-
neral organization differ most remarkably, some of them perhaps re-
sembling others whose places and functions are of a totally different
nature ; and on searching further still, we see that Nature has, as it
were (though in no way to the detriment of their perfection), limited
herself in her contrivances, exhibiting that unity of plan before alluded
to, by adopting certain original types or models, modifying their de-
tails in various ways to meet the ends required : it is upon this latter
law that natural affinities must depend, since, were every species con-
structed upon a plan peculiar to itself, solely with regard to fitness for
its place, we should look in vain for those general resemblances on
which we found our more comprehensive groups. In a species, of
course, every character tells : to identify another individual as being
of the same species a perfect resemblance is necessary, allowing only
for such differences as age, sex, food, locality and other known causes,
may have occasioned ; but in grouping species together, where we
consider both differences and resemblances, it is obvious that our
groups, to be those of Nature, must be founded on the type by which
their organization is determined. And it will be seen, that in all
classifications which have been to any extent adopted, the higher di-
visions have for the most part been formed upon this principle, but it
is on descending into the details of the systems, that amidst the mul-
tiplicity of characters, especially as those purely adaptive are usually
the most conspicuous, the natural affinities have failed to be per-
ceived.
The word " type " is here used in a sense rather different from that
in which it has very frequently been applied, and in which perhaps to
Classification . 1951
some naturalists it may be most familiar. Instead of being applied to
a single species or group, made use of as a standard to which other
species or groups are to be compared, it is here used to signify a cer-
tain plan or model, on which a large number of species are con-
structed, and whose characteristic peculiarities show themselves
throughout the whole series, notwithstanding the great variety which
the different adaptations may occasion : a similar constancy of cha-
racter through a certain number of the species included in the more
extended type, of course will constitute them a subordinate type.
Then the course to be pursued in the construction of a natural system
(that is, so far natural as possible, by forming every group according
to the true affinities of the species which it contains) is, by an ex-
tended and rigid investigation, to search out the characters by which
the natural affinities are indicated ; and in descending from the higher
divisions to the lower, to make no use of the adaptive characters, un-
til we are certain that the essential characters (that being the term
most generally adopted to imply those by which the type may be re-
cognized) are completely exhausted; and then, having fully ascer-
tained the natural subdivisions of the group to which our attention
has been directed, to dispose them in such different degrees of rant,
and in such an arrangement, as shall seem most convenient for pur-
poses of description, and, from the judicious manner in which it is ef-
fecte'd, be likely to meet with general approval and adoption among
those engaged in similar researches.
Commencing, in this course of investigation, with the largest and
most extensive divisions, it will, it is manifest, be necessary to disre-
gard, until a late period, a great number of characters, which, from
their conspicuous appearance, are such as might otherwise have been
the first to attract our notice, and have been the stumbling-blocks to
which most of the errors of the old systematists owe their origin ; and
to proceed to classify upon peculiarities of structure, which, from their
constancy and independence of adaptive modifications, we have ascer-
tained to belong to the type. It is almost impossible to lay down
rules for the pursuit of such a search ; the characters in question may
be obvious, maybe apparently trifling; in animals of more complex
organization, it seems hardly necessary to add that they can seldom
be external. They must, of course, be first looked for in those organs
whose offices are of the highest importance, in the performance of the
vital functions of the creature, and, as has before been observed, it is
upon these that the more extensive groups have most generally been
founded ; but those beautiful laws of correlation, everywhere pervading
1952 Classification .
the structure of an animal body, are not only manifested in the con-
stant accompaniment of one adaptive modification, by another whose
co-existence is necessary for the perfection of the contrivance, but in
the essential characters are even still more striking ; peculiarities mi-
nute, and to appearance trifling, accompanying those of evidently
great importance to the organization, with such unvaried constancy
as to be fully as worthy of the confidence of the systematist as the
more important characters themselves. It seems probable that, next
to the differences presented by the vital parts, those of the osseous
system in the vertebrate series (and by analogy, not unlikely, the ex-
ternal casing among the articulated division) would be easiest to per-
ceive, and most to be depended on, from the permanence of their
form, the facility of preservation, and from such being the only parts
left for our observation of the species which have become extinct ;
but even these harder organs show the essential and adaptive charac-
ters so intimately mixed together, that a very extensive series of ob-
servations, aided by a knowledge of the relations they possess to the
other parts of which the animal consists, and combined with very
sound and careful judgment, is absolutely necessary before any results
worthy of our confience can be arrived at. These remarks may per-
haps derive some little support from the circumstance, that in all
cases where a generalization has been fully and clearly demonstrated
to be a law of nature, it has been, after a long and detailed course of
observations, carefully made, and summed up with the soundest of
human skill and judgment.
The mention of some well-known instances may here again be use-
ful, in illustration both of the meaning intended and of the manner in
which the essential characters were occasionally perceived, and so
often overlooked, by the older authors. The order Cetacea will serve
this purpose well : all systematists have agreed in placing these ani-
mals among Mammalia, notwithstanding their wide difference of form
from that of others of the class, perceiving that warm blood, pulmo-
nary respiration, viviparous generation (in its true sense) and lactation,
were essential characters of the class, being combined constantly in
it, and not in any other, not even one of them obtaining in that which
in external form the Cetacea most resemble ; but even the illustrious
Cuvier failed to perceive, that those species which he denominated
" herbivorous Cetacea " belong truly (as is acknowledged by many of
the more philosophic zoologists of the present day) to the order that
he called Pachydermata; the simple absence of hind extremities,
from its conspicuity, causing the close resemblance to the last-named
Classification . 1953
order in many points of structure (very perceptible in the skull) to be
disregarded ; while the seals, which fortunately happened to possess
the posterior limbs, and a dentition somewhat resembling that usually
seen in the order to which they belong, were at an early period as-
signed to their true place among the Carnivora. As a well-known
example illustrative of what characters are really essential, although
their necessary connection with the plan of organization peculiar to
the type may not be very obvious, may be mentioned the articulation
of the head to the atlas by two condyles, one on each side of the oc-
cipital foramen ; the articulation of the lower jaw by a more or less
convex condyle, moving in a glenoid cavity excavated in the zy-
gomatic process of the temporal bone, instead of by a hollowed sur-
face in the jaw articulating with a condyle furnished to it by the
tympanic bone; the ossification of each ramus of the lower jaw from
one point, instead of its consisting, either originally or permanently,
of several pieces : these, among other peculiarities of greater or less
apparent consequence, are all so constantly associated in the Mam-
malian class with those before alluded to as being essential characters
of that group, that there can be no doubt of their appertaining equally
to the type, or model, upon which such animals are constructed ; and
a friend who has devoted some time to the examination of the minute
distribution of the sympathetic nerves about the face and within the
orbit of different animals, and who it is to be hoped may publish his
researches, recently informed the writer, that the Cetacea presented
in that respect precisely the same arrangement as in other Mammalia,
while in fishes it was widely different ; so that we need not always re-
ject a character because it is minute, if the course of observation
shows it to be constant in relation to the group in which we find it.
It being here desirable to select such instances as, from their being
universally known and acknowledged, could not, most probably, with
reason be disputed, it will be seen that those mentioned refer exclu-
sively to the higher groups ; and as, even in these, errors are seen to
have crept into the systems adopted, through the masking of the es-
sential characters by the greater conspicuity of those relating solely
to the particular wants of the species, we may suppose, a fortiori,
since the differences between closely allied species consist merely of
adaptive variations and slight modifications of form, that, as we
descend from higher to lower groups, the essential distinctions be-
coming fewer and more difficult to perceive, there must be a far greater
scope for the labours of the systematist, in correcting the erroneous
principles on which the older classifications have been founded : and
the researches carried on within the last few years, by some of our
1954 Classification.
more philosophic naturalists, show clearly, in those departments of
the science to which their labours have been directed, the advantages
of such a system of study as that here feebly attempted to be pointed
out; and the former errors which they have succeeded in exposing,
together with the precision of their results when compared with the
confusion formerly existing, seem of themselves sufficient to convince
that a great work of correction remains to be carried out, involving a
long series of patient and profound investigations, which it must re-
quire the unwearied exertions of many to accomplish.
If, in what is known already, we perceive sufficient to convince us
that affinities really have existence in Nature, we need no longer
doubt the importance, indeed the necessity, of ascertaining them to
the furthest extent possible ; for the course of scientific investigation
has in all cases shown, that every newly-discovered law of Nature,
wThen the effects of its operation are carefully deduced, opens out a
still wider field for research, leading to further and often higher gene-
ralizations : in the present case, relations are continually being per-
ceived between certain groups of forms and certain geographical
limits, it being often seen that such members of a large group as are
confined within a certain locality show affinities among themselves
uniting them into a smaller group ; sometimes while one group has
extensive distribution, another, seemingly of equal rank, is more con-
fined ; and in certain cases, a species, or group of species, in one part
of the world, so represents another in a different region, by perform-
ing similar functions, that the affinity between them has, from the re-
semblance of their adaptive characters, been considered to be closer
than it really is. Such things, at present only known as curious and
interesting facts, may perhaps, when affinities are better understood
and thoroughly worked out, lead to generalizations at present not
imagined ; these, united with researches continually in progress on
forms existing at different epochs, may, it is not impossible, carry us
still further in our investigation of those laws by which the varied in-
habitants of our earth have been distributed upon its surface, their in-
fluence in its changes, and the consequent alterations which have been
caused in their location ; indeed it is impossible to predict, in search-
ing after one small truth, what treasures we may pick up on the way,
or what brilliant lights may open to us on its discovery. Then cer-
tainly it is not just, that the science which treats of Nature's forms
should be looked upon as less worthy of pursuit, by men of highest
mind, when its backward state is only owing to its vast extent ; and
even the classification and arrangement of the different forms in which
organic life appears (which, as they themselves are compared to the
Classified Hon . 1955
letters of an alphabet, may be not inaptly likened to the combination
of those letters in composing words whose meanings differ in extent),
in advancing towards correct achievement, continually require more
votaries to share the increasing amount of study necessary, unite their
labours in one common end, and, by heaping scattered knowledge in-
to generalizations more easy to the comprehension, the well-directed
labour of each individual renders a higher amount of knowledge at-
tainable by every one, — just as in science itself, which is the entire
investigation of Nature's truths, every newly-discovered law makes
an intricate accumulation of recorded facts more clearly understood,
at the same time opening out new and more extensive regions to be
explored, inviting the co-operation of more investigators ; while each,
in seeing how little his unassisted labour wTould suffice, feels deeper
still his close dependence on the rest ; and were it the only benefit
that science yields to man, to know our mutual interest in each other,
the effect produced upon our conduct, by a general appreciation of
this moral truth, would make us quite another, and a happier, race of
beings. H. N. Turner, Jun.
1 , Upper Belgrave Place, Piralico,
September 29, 1847.
Ornithological and other Notices in Norfolk, for the months of July, August and
September, 1847. — Early in the month of July, a specimen of the plain bonito (Auxis
vulgaris) of Mr. Yarrell (Brit. Fishes, 2nd ed.) was captured off Yarmouth, and is now
in the Museum of the Cambridge Philosophical Society. The measurements and
description of this specimen almost exactly corresponded with those given by Mr.
Yarrell, but we could not discover more than seven finlets behind the dorsal fin,
whereas that gentleman makes eight : the number behind the anal fin is also seven.
One of the peculiarities by which this fish as well as others of its tribe are distin-
guished, is the grooves and depressions into which the fins, when not erected, are re-
ceived, and thus brought almost to the same level as the surrounding parts of the
body. This fish has been previously taken off Yarmouth. We have been informed
that a shoal of grampuses were seen near Lynn during this month, but have not been
able to authenticate their appearance. On the 30th of August a curious variety of the
chaffinch was killed at Brooke, by H. K. Tompson, Esq., by whom it has been pre-
sented to Mr. J. H. Gurney. The bird is a young male : the ground colour of its
plumage is white, but pervaded throughout with a delicate canary yellow colour. This
tint is strongest on the back and rump (especially the latter), on the edges of the quill
feathers of the wings and of the tail feathers. The eyes are of the natural colour ;
and the bird altogether bears a most striking resemblance to the variety of the very
nearly allied species, the brambling, which was killed at Melton in 1844, and is
described and figured in the Account of the Norfolk Birds (Zool. 131 1). An example
of the osprey (male) was killed near Cromer on the 3rd of September. We have seen
four specimens of the red-necked phalarope which were killed at or near Salthouse,
during the month of September : two of these, which were killed about the beginning
1956 Annelides.
of the month, retained much of the summer plumage ; in the other two, which occurred
about the end of the month, it had almost entirely disappeared. We have also to re-
cord the capture, at different parts of the coast, in the same month, of four specimens
of Kichardson's skua, two of which were in immature, and the other two in adult
plumage : of the latter, one was taken alive, and appears to do well in confinement,
feeding readily on pieces of fresh-water fish. He has for his companion in confine-
ment a night heron, with whom he appears to be on very good terms. A specimen of
the black-tailed godwit also occurred in September at Salthouse. The angel fish has
been taken at Yarmouth, and several specimens of the migratory locust have been
captured in various parts of the county. It is observable that wild geese, during their
migratory movements, fly in regular order, — usually in lines or wedge-shaped figures,
— one acting as leader ; and although the changes which our domestic race has un-
dergone since it was reclaimed, render us unable to say with certainty from which of
the wild species it originally sprang, or whether from any one exclusively, it still re-
tains distinct traces of this singular habit; being constantly observed, in places where
it is kept in flocks, to go and return to and from its feeding-grounds with great regu-
larity, in long lines of single file. — J. H. Gurney, W. R. Fisher ; October, 1847.
Habits of the Leech. — While staying at Folkestone, in August last, I found that
horse-leeches were common in a ditch near the house. One day I noticed what ap-
peared to be a leech and a worm adhering end to end : I took them out of the water,
and, on pulling them asunder, found that the leech had swallowed a portion of the
worm nearly equal to its own body in length ; and on being drawn out the part seemed
shrunk, as though it had been deprived of some portion of its juices. Another day I
found that three leeches had attacked one worm, one of them having swallowed one
end of it, another had swallowed a loop formed by the doubling of the worm, so that
the other end was free, the third leech simply adhering by its mouth. I brought home
two of the leeches in a bottle, and, having kept them about a month without food, on the
22nd of September, in the morning, I put into the bottle a moderate-sized earth-
worm : it had not been in ten minutes when one of them seized it by one extremity.
In the middle of the day I noticed that the worm was doubled, a leech holding it by
the loop : on this occasion I did not ascertain whether any part of the worm was
within the body of the leech. In the evening I observed that the worm had been di-
vided, and a portion of it, about a quarter of an inch in length, and of the usual
thickness, projecting from the mouth of one of the leeches : I then removed this leech
from the bottle, and taking the portion of worm with one hand, and the leech with
the other, I drew out a considerable part of the worm, much shrunk, and very thin
just at the part which the mouth of the leech had encircled. I subsequently put in
two more worms and a small Limax, but the leeches took no notice of them : in the
course of a few days they were drowned, and, beginning to decompose, I threw them
out. Considering that in the leech the stomach (which has a number of little coecal
processes on each side) forms nearly the whole of the alimentary canal, the facts above
mentioned are in no way inconsistent with its structure ; therefore I should suppose
the circumstance to be of frequent occurrence, although I am not aware of its having
been before observed . — H. N. Turner, Jun. ; 1 , Upper Belgrave Place, Pimlico, September
25, 1847.
PRINTED BY E. NEWMAN', DEVONSHIRE STREET, BISHOFSGATE STREET.
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